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The West Coast Health Alliance continues to recommend vaccination in alignment with the American Academy of Pediatrics Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule
Summary The West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) continues to recommend the American Academy Pediatrics (AAP) Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule. Background On January 5, 2026, the Acting Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention signed a decision memorandum to revise the Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule and significantly reduce the number of vaccinations routinely…
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Caring for Infants Born to Hepatitis B-Infected Mothers
Adapted from the Georgia Department of Public Health Immunize and Test On Time Age Single-antigen hepatitis B vaccine (Engerix-B® or Recombivax HB®) Combination hepatitis B vaccine (Pediarix®) Birth1 (Within 12 hours) Hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) AND Hepatitis B vaccine dose #1 Combination vaccine is not approved for the birth dose. See single-antigen guidance. 1– 2 Months2 Hepatitis…
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Provider Training Opportunities
These webinars include information for healthcare providers on vaccinations. Details and registration are available below. Partners in Prevention: Pharmacists and Immunizations The Washington Department of Health is collaborating with Jenny Arnold of the Washington State Pharmacy Association to host a webinar on November 15, 2018, from noon to 1 p.m. The webinar is open to…
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Health Advisory: Six cases of Salmonella illness in WA likely linked to cucumbers
Per the Washington State Department of Health: Six cases of Salmonella illness in WA likely linked to cucumbers Initial investigation suggests Costco three-pack English cucumber OLYMPIA ¾ State health officials are working with state, local and federal public health partners to investigate the source of six Salmonella infections. The six cases include residents of King…
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Health Advisory: Increase in Suspected Cases of Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM)
Increase in Suspected Cases of Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) As of Oct. 9, 2018, 5 cases of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) in Washington are being evaluated by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) neurologists and other AFM experts. All cases are among children between 7 months and 5 years of age who presented with…
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West Nile Virus
Background and Epidemiology WNV infection first became a public health problem in the United States in the late 1990s. WNV is a mosquito-borne flavivirus in the same family as yellow fever, dengue fever and St. Louis encephalitis. In rare situations, blood transfusion, organ transplant, transplacental, breastfeeding and percutaneous injury of laboratory workers can transmit the…
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MRSA Resources for Schools
What is MRSA? Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of bacteria resistant to many forms of antibiotics. Many people carry it in their nose or on their skin. Most infections affect the skin, but MRSA can also infect other organs. Without treatment, infections can be life threatening, causing severe complications like sepsis or endocarditis.…
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Flu Symptoms Checklist
Should my child stay home from school? ☐ Yes ☐ No Does your child have a sore throat, bad cough or runny nose? ☐ Yes ☐ No Does your child have body aches and chills? ☐ Yes ☐ No Does your child have a fever of 100°F or higher? If no thermometer, does your…
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School Opiate Overdose Resources
Schools can prepare for opiate overdose. About 2,500 Washington State 12th graders had tried heroin at least once and even more (about 3,500 ) use pain killers to get high in any given month. Almost one in 10 teens believe prescription drug misuse carries little to no risk. –2018 Health Youth Survey If a student…
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Fentanyl Safety Recommendations for First Responders
You can protect yourself from fentanyl exposure. The abuse of drugs containing fentanyl is killing Americans. First responders are likely to encounter fentanyl when responding to overdose calls, conducting traffic stops, arrests and searches. Inhalation of airborne powder is harmful. Wear gloves when you suspect the presence of fentanyl. Questions? Contact Yakima Health District at…
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Health Advisory: Hepatitis A Outbreaks Among Homeless in California
Actions Requested Have increased suspicion for acute hepatitis A among people with acute onset of jaundice, markedly elevated liver function tests and other symptoms of acute viral hepatitis. Especially in those who are homeless and/or using drugs. Perform serologic testing on suspect cases: hepatitis A IgM or acute hepatitis panel. Provide hepatitis A vaccine to…
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Cryptococcus gattii
What is it? C. gattii is a fungus closely related to C. neoformans that can infect the pulmonary and central nervous systems of both animals and humans. Until recently, C. gattii was only found in certain subtropical and tropical environments. In 1999 it emerged on Vancouver Island, British Columbia (BC), Canada. Between 1999 and 2006,…