Provider Alert: Yakima County myStrength Health App., COVID-19 Vaccine updates, Increased Syphilis Cases

| March 17, 2021

Contact: Melissa Sixberry, Director of Disease Control                                                                              509-249-6509

 

**Clinical leadership is expected to schedule time to review guidelines with staff**

 

Provider Alert: Yakima County myStrength Health App., COVID-19 Vaccine updates, Increased Syphilis Cases.

 

March 16, 2021

Requested Actions

  • Yakima Health District launches evidence based digital health application myStrength for Yakima County residents. Residents 13 years and older can sign-up for free services such as emotional health and overall well-being resources to help fight COVID-19 fatigue.
  • Be aware Washington State Department of Health (DOH) added preK-12 educators, school staff and childcare workers to vaccine eligibility Phase 1B Tier 1 and released an expected timeline for moving into future phases.
  • High-risk critical workers under Phase 1B Tier 2 will be eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccine March 17, 2021.
  • Encourage people eligible to get vaccinated. Direct them to the list of Yakima County COVID-19 vaccine providers and events on our COVID-19 vaccine page.
  • Drive-up Community Vaccination Clinic to open at Yakima State Fair Park on March 17, 2021.
  • Be aware that syphilis in Yakima County has increased 550% from 2020 to 2021. This has been linked to drug use and provider should consider a blood draw to rule out syphilis.

Background

myStrength is an evidenced based program that provides personalized interactive self-help resources for those struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, bipolar disorder, PTSD/trauma, chronic pain, drug, alcohol and nicotine recovery. There are also resources available for weight management, healthy eating and physical activity just to name a few.

A partner toolkit has been developed to share resources, materials, and communication tools about myStrength with partners and organizations across Yakima County. Toolkit includes Promo Codes for professionals and Yakima County residents as well as sign-up instructions.

 

Vaccine eligibility

In response to President Biden’s and Governor Inslee’s recent statements, DOH added preK-12 educators, school staff and childcare workers to vaccine eligibility Phase 1B Tier 1.

 

Individuals under Phase 1B Tier 2 will be eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccine March 17, 2021.DOH also released an expected timeline for moving into future phases

 

Help patients use Phase Finder to learn if they are eligible to get vaccine. Encourage all patients eligible in Phase 1A or Phase 1B Tier 1&Tier 2 to get vaccinated. Direct patients to the Yakima County COVID-19 vaccine providers and events listed on our COVID-19 vaccine page.

 

Currently eligible to get COVID-19 vaccine:

Phase 1A:

People who work in healthcare settings.

Medical first responders.

People who live or work in long-term care facilities.

Community health worker, caregiver or home care aide.

Phase 1B Tier 1:

People 65 years or older.

People 50 years or older who live in multigenerational homes (e.g., a grandparent living with a grandchild).

PreK-12 educators, school staff and childcare workers.

The Federal Retail Pharmacy Program will primarily coordinate and supply vaccine for preK-12 educators, school staff and childcare workers. However, if these workers show up at your clinic, go ahead and vaccinate them.

Phase 1B Tier 2:

High-risk critical workers who work in certain congregate settings: agriculture, fishing vessel crew, food processing, grocery stores, corrections, prisons, jails or detention centers, public transit and remaining first responders.

People of 16 years or older who are pregnant or have a disability that puts them at high risk for severe COVID-19 illness.

DOH Guidance Summary

 

Drive-up Community Vaccination Clinic

The Yakima Health District (YHD), in partnership with Signal Health, the Yakima Valley Office of Emergency Management (YVOEM) and Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital will open the Drive-Through Community Vaccination Clinic at the Yakima State Fair Park on March 17, 2021. The site will operate Tuesday-Saturday from 9:00am-3:00pm, except on Thursday from 12:00pm-6:00pm. To schedule an appointment individuals need to visit the WA DOH PrepMod website. You can also access this website through the YHD website.

 

Syphilis Cases Increase

Be aware that syphilis in Yakima County has increased 550% from 2020 to 2021. From 2 cases YTD for 2020 to 13 YTD for 2021.This has been linked to drug use and provider should consider a blood draw to rule out syphilis.

Additional resources