COVID-19 UPDATE #276

December 13, 2022

Communities across our state and the U.S. are experiencing an unprecedented surge in viral respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and influenza. In a joint statement dated December 9, 2022, local health officers and health care leaders are recommending wearing masks indoors. Click here to view a Seattle Times story on the indoor masking advisory.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is hosting a webinar this Thursday, December 15, from 12 PM noon to 1 PM PST, titled, Promoting Bivalent Vaccinations for Older Adults: State Perspectives and Partnerships. This Communities of Practice webinar will highlight successful strategies for public health programs to engage older adults in both community and LTC settings and increase awareness and acceptance of bivalent vaccines through outreach and partnerships.

Featuring representatives from the following:

• North Dakota Immunization Services Program
• Ohio Department of Aging Services
• Minnesota Care Providers
• Aging and Disability Resource Center, Jackson County, Wisconsin

To join the webinar, click here.

The COVID-19 pandemic has elevated the relevance of indoor air quality (IAQ) and proved that buildings should be the first line of defense to reduce the spread of respiratory pathogens, like SARS-Cov-2, influenza, and RSV. Improving ventilation and filtration in long term care facilities can help mitigate spread. On Friday, December 16, at 8 AM PST, join Improving Indoor Air Quality in LTC Facilities for practical guidance on how facilities can improve occupant and staff health and safety. For more information or to register, click here.

The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department continues to support Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs) who may need financial help with the Medical Test Site Waiver Application (MTSW) license application payment through the end of the year. If you are performing a test to detect COVID-19 and for reporting purposes, that setting must have a Medical Test Site Certification of Waiver. If your Assisted Living Facility needs financial help with the MTSW license application payment, complete the survey located here. You may also view the Dear Provider letter dated April 1, 2022, regarding MTSW requirements for more information.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) developed a holiday tool kit and other materials to help advanced demand for update of COVID-19 bivalent vaccines with older adults, and may be used by site staff to help improve awareness of the benefits of getting an updated booster.

Short Videos

• At Risk
• Why Do I Need an Update COVID Vaccine?
• Going Home for the Holidays?

Flyers/Posters

• Update Your COVID-19 Vaccination Protection
• Get Your Updated COVID Vaccine

The December 8, 2022, DOH COVID-19 Q&A call presentation slides and other resources are now available. The many resources listed below include several flyers for LTC facilities indicating what to do if there is an outbreak of influenza or any other kind of respiratory illness and more.

• Updated Bivalent COVID-19 Booster: LTC Settings
• HAI-IPC Team Flyer
• Influenza Outbreak Infographic
• LTC Immunization Resources
• Project Firstline - Become an Infection Control Superhero Flyer and Podcast

The DOH honors and commends facilities that are working to improve antibiotic use, reduce antibiotic resistance, and improve patient outcomes by establishing an antibiotic stewardship program that meets CDC's core elements of antibiotic stewardship. If your facility meets the criteria for an antibiotic stewardship program, the department will give your facility a certificate, and list your facility and key staff on their LTC Antimicrobial Stewardship Honor Roll webpage. Applications are reviewed on a quarterly basis. For more information or to apply, click here.

Join the next ipChat SNF Infection Preventionist meeting on December 20, 2022, at 11aAM PST and every first and third Tuesday of each month. This call series brings together experienced and novice infection preventionists to share challenges, solutions and best practices.