Weekly Roundup: In Case You Missed It |
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COVID-19 Updates
For individuals who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, the following groups are eligible for a booster shot at 6 months or more after their initial series:
For those who got the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, booster shots are also recommended for those who are 18 and older and who were vaccinated two or more months ago.
Last week the CDC and FDA endorsed the so-called mix-and-match strategy, saying people fully immunized with one company’s vaccine should be allowed to receive a different vaccine for their booster shot.
On Tuesday the FDA’s independent vaccine advisory board endorsed the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11. The issue now goes to the CDC’s vaccine advisory group, which is set to meet on Nov. 2 and 3. Federal officials say that after the CDC director issues the agency’s guidance, 15 million doses of vaccine will immediately be shipped to the states for distribution.
Contra Costa County reported on Wednesday that 88% of residents 12 years and older have received at least one COVID vaccine dose, and 84% are fully vaccinated.
Alameda County reported on Wednesday that 90% of residents 12 years and older have received at least one COVID vaccine dose, and 84% are fully vaccinated.
Alameda County reports that it has administered more than 2,498,000 doses as of October 28. As of October 21, ICU capacity in the county is at 36% with 30 confirmed COVID patients hospitalized.
Contra Costa reports that it has administered more than 1,783,000 doses as of October 28. As of October 21, ICU capacity in the county is at 21% with 19 confirmed COVID patients hospitalized.
Monoclonal Antibody Infusion Treatment for COVID
In Alameda County, there is a dedicated infusion site located at the Eastmont Mall that is a private company called Total Infusion. They are taking referrals for treatment, including self-referrals, and PEP if the patient is referred by a PCP. They can accommodate high-risk patients who are 12 years of age or older for COVID monoclonal antibody therapy under the current EUA. The site has NPs who can do a brief screening exam before infusion if the person has self-referred. The link to refer for a monoclonal antibody infusion can be found here. If you have questions, please contact Kee Conti at (510) 878-9528.
In Contra Costa County, Contra Costa Health Services established a specific relationship with an infectious disease group under the auspices of BASS Medical Group (Ron Wasserman, MD) in Walnut Creek/Concord. Any patient can self-refer or be referred by their physician. The county guarantees payment for CCHP, non-CCHP Medi-Cal and uninsured patients who are county residents. Medicare and privately insured patients are covered by their insurers. Patients or referring providers can call (925) 932-7124 or email Jean Choy at jean@iddoctors.com.
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CMA Publishes 2021 Legislative Wrap- Up
CMA Senior VP of Government Relations Janus Norman has published his annual Legislative Wrap-Up, which provides an insider's take on what went down this legislative session. Implementing lessons learned from the prior year on how to better navigate the Capitol’s hybrid-working approach and prohibition on in-person meetings, CMA took an aggressive approach to the year, moving forward an agenda to protect physician practices, increase access to care, and build a prosperous future for the medical profession. The wrap-up is available to members only at cmadocs.org/legwrap2021. |
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Mandatory Influenza Vaccination of Health Care Workers
Physicians are reminded of the joint Health Officer Order mandating that all licensed health care facilities in Alameda County and the City of Berkeley require their health care workers (HCW) to receive an annual influenza vaccination. This Order, issued in 2020, remains in effect for the upcoming 2021-2022 flu season and mandates that health care facilities implement a process for requiring HCW to receive vaccination unless a HCW can produce sufficient documentation to obtain a permitted exemption. Mask wearing is not an adequate substitution for vaccination under this Order.
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Join Us for the ACCMA Virtual Annual Meeting
Join us as we celebrate the East Bay medical community at the 153rd ACCMA Virtual Annual Meeting on Thursday, November 4 from 5:45 to 6:30 pm. Learn how to make the classic Negroni with an experienced bartender and chemistry professor, who will talk about the science and history of gin in “The Doctor is Gin.” Plan to join us online (link to come) for your cocktail lesson on November 4.
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ACCMA History Talk on November 17
Former ACCMA Executive Director Donald Waters, author of “Medical Care for All, Regardless,” will present highlights from the book via Zoom in a program hosted by UCSF Department of Archives on November 17 from noon to 1:10 pm. You can attend by clicking here; registration is limited. Mr. Waters will discuss ground-breaking programs launched by the ACCMA in 1945 that boldly guaranteed high-quality medical care to everyone in the community. The book, which was published last month, is available for download here or members can request a hard copy by contacting the ACCMA at (510) 654‑5383 or accma@accma.org. |
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Dues Discount Ends December 15
ACCMA members who renew their 2022 membership by December 15 qualify for a 5% discount on their dues. Click here to pay your dues online. Nonmembers who join now and pay in full for 2022 will receive the remaining months of this year for free. Click here to join now! |
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Available on demand
Member $29.00 | Non-member $79.00
Now available! Current and new staff can receive on-demand training on HIPAA, OSHA, and customer service. Intended for all staff encountering patients in person or by telephone, this course covers customer service techniques, the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). For questions, contact Jenn Mullins, Education and Event Associate, at jmullins@accma.org.
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Tuesdays through December 14
Free to attend | CME Available | Presented by CMA
The California Medical Association's (CMA) wellness program (CMA Wellness) is pleased to launch free, online wellness engagement groups for health care providers who conduct patient screenings for adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Treating patients with multiple ACEs or toxic stress can potentially impact your personal wellness and increase feelings of burnout. CMA Wellness's engagement groups will support providers by offering subject matter experts, best practices, and an open forum to share experiences, facilitated by trained, volunteer physicians. Each monthly webinar is organized around a prevailing theme with a stakeholder co-host to provide a variety of perspectives with a general discussion and breakout rooms. Registration is required, and providers will be joining the Tuesday series for a 6‑month duration.
For more information and to register, click here.
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Thursday, November 4 | 5:45 – 6:30 PM
Join the East Bay medical community as we celebrate the 153rd ACCMA Annual Meeting, featuring the installation of 2022 ACCMA President Robert Edelman, MD and other incoming officers. We will also hear a brief presentation from the current President of the American Medical Association, Gerald E. Harmon, MD, on the AMA’s priorities and what’s on the horizon for organized medicine.
Enjoy a cocktail on us! Be among the first 100 registrants to receive a FREE box of cocktail ingredients at your front door. Then learn how to make the classic Negroni with an experienced bartender during the event. Nerd out about the science and history behind gin in "The Doctor is Gin." To receive the cocktail ingredients by mail, sign up at bit.ly/3AKa0DL. Limited to one per address to the first 100 registrants before October 21.
For questions, contact Jenn Mullins, Education and Event Associate, at jmullins@accma.org or (510) 654-5383, ext. 6305.
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Tuesday, November 9, 2021 | noon – 1:30 PM
FREE | CME Available | Presented by CMA
Learn from vaccine experts and policy makers about the data behind the evaluation of booster shots and the examination of data on pediatric vaccines for children under 12. We will also hear from Erica Pan, MD, California’s State Epidemiologist, about the state of COVID-19 in California, efforts to keep the virus at bay, progress on vaccines and vaccination efforts, and an update on the status of California schools.
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Wednesday, November 17 | noon to 1:10 PM
FREE | Presented by UCSF Library Archives & Bay Area History of Medicine Society
Former ACCMA Executive Director Donald Waters, author of “Medical Care for All, Regardless,” will present highlights from the book, which covers ground-breaking programs launched by the ACCMA in 1945 that boldly guaranteed high-quality medical care to everyone in the community. The book is available for download here or members can request a hard copy by contacting the ACCMA at (510) 654‑5383 or accma@accma.org. Register here; registration is limited. |
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ACCMA's On-Demand Library
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Please contact ACCMA at 510-654-5383 or accma@accma.org with any questions or concerns you have.
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