COVID-19 Bulletin
April 5, 2022
|
|
|
Here is today’s COVID-19 update.
Bi-State continues to keep our website updated with the latest on the Bi-State COVID-19 Resources webpage. This links to various credible COVID-19 resources, archives all Bi-State COVID-19 Bulletins, and holds a section of resources for patients.
|
|
State of NH Changed COVID-19 Reporting Metrics for Hospitals
|
|
Instead of posting the number of hospitalized people who tested positive for COVID-19, the NH Department of Health and Human Services announced that, going forward, they will only post the number of patients who are actively being treated for the virus. A patient is considered to be “actively treated” if they are on Remdesivir, Dexamethasone or both, the primary medications to treat COVID-19.
Read NH Bulletin article.
|
|
CDC: Updated Clinical Considerations for COVID-19 Vaccines
|
|
On March 30, the CDC updated its Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines to allow for a 2nd booster dose in certain persons, and the federal CARES Act has updated COVID-19 test reporting requirements.
|
|
NH Health Alert Network #59
|
|
On March 31, NH DHHS released HAN #59 with updated vaccine recommendations and test reporting requirements.
The HAN also states that due to an increasing proportion of BA.2 variant SARS-CoV-2 infections in our region, providers should stop administering the monoclonal antibody Sotrovimab because it is ineffective against BA.2. See the FDA announcement (and see below for Vermont's response).
|
|
Sotrovimab not effective the BA.2 variant
|
|
Recently, we were notified that sotrovimab is not effective against the BA.2 variant. Based on this information, the state of Vermont recommends that sotrovimab should not be used as a treatment option for COVID-19. If you have an existing supply, please hold it until VDH receives further guidance. Please refer to the following decision aid for alternatives.
Long-term care or congregate care facilities please refer to this document.
|
|
CDC/IDSA COVID-19 Clinician Call
April 9th, 3:00pm
|
|
CDC/IDSA COVID-19 Clinician Call is scheduled for Saturday, April 9th at 3:00pm. Topics covered are 'all about paxlovid' and a variants update. Registration and more information here.
|
|
CDC recommends second booster for some adults who received the J&J Vaccine
|
|
Based on newly published data from the CDC, adults who received a primary vaccine and booster dose of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine at least four months ago may now receive a second booster dose using an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.
Review the CDC statement here
|
|
|
On March 30, the Biden administration launched a new website COVID.gov to help all people in the U.S. gain even better access to lifesaving tools like vaccines, tests, treatments, and masks, as well as get the latest updates on COVID-19 in their area.
|
|
CDC: Point-of-Care Testing
|
|
On March 4, the CDC updated its guidance for COVID-19 rapid testing performed in point-of-care settings. The two changes are bulleted below.
- HHS and CDC’s new guidance no longer requires reporting of negative results for non-NAAT tests (rapid or antigen test results).
- This update also no longer requires reporting of antibody test results, positive or negative.
|
|
CDC: New Data Illuminate Youth Mental Threats During Pandemic
|
|
On March 31, the CDC published its analysis of its first nationally representative survey of high school students during the pandemic that highlights the youth mental health threats that have occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.
|
|
Your Local Epidemiologist Posts
|
|
Over the past week, Katelyn Jetelina has posted three newsletters that overview:
|
|
|
Community and Patient Resources
|
|
|
|
The new nationwide Test to Treat initiative provides quick access to free treatment for COVID-19. Through this program, people can get tested and – if they are positive and treatments are appropriate for them – receive a prescription from a health care provider, and have their prescription filled all at one location.
A call center 1-800-232-0233 is available every day from 8:00 am to midnight ET to get help in more than 150 other languages.
The Disability Information and Access Line is available to help people with disabilities access services. Call 1-888-677-1199, Monday-Friday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm ET or email DIAL@usaginganddisability.org.
|
|
CDC: Stay Up to Date with Vaccines
|
|
On April 2, the CDC updated its "Stay Up to Date with Vaccines" page.
- A person is fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving all recommended doses in the primary series of their COVID-19 vaccination.
- A person is up to date with their COVID-19 vaccination if they have received all recommended doses in the primary series and one booster when eligible. Getting a second booster is not necessary to be considered up to date at this time.
|
|
Teaching Health Center Workshop final session
April 6th, 2:00pm
|
|
The Teaching Health Center Virtual Workshop Series is about the Teaching Health Center model and what it takes for a health center to prepare to sponsor a residency program. This second session was hosted by Bi-State, in partnership with national residency expert consultants WIPFLI on Wednesday, 3/23. The recording and slides are now available.
Session 3 is tomorrow, Wednesday, April 6, from 2:00-4:00 pm. The info sheet has all the info you need to attend. Please contact Clem at cnoone@bistatepca.org with questions or to register.
|
|
ASPR TRACIE Workplace Violence Resources
|
|
ASPR TRACIE has put together a couple of resources that address workplace violence and de-escalation. This has consistently been in the top 10 hazard vulnerability assessments completed by the Vermont Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Coalition (VHEPC).
|
|
Claire's cats!
Why are cats always peering out windows? They're always looking out for something... ghosts?
Would you like to see your furbaby featured in a future bulletin? Email pictures to Heather Skeels
|
|
|
|
|
