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Mike Kreidler, Washington State’s Insurance Commissioner, has extended two emergency orders related to COVID-19 testing. The first order states that health insurers must waive copays and deductibles for any individual requiring COVID-19 testing. The second order protects those who require testing from any unexpected bills related to lab fees associated with COVID-19 diagnostic testing. Both orders have been extended to May 28. According to …
Read More »Covid 19 Seattle
Antiviral medications are a method of treating infections that reduces viral load, increases immunity, and reduces symptoms. There are currently three antiviral drugs available to symptomatic adults with confirmed cases of COVID-19—two are oral and one is intravenous.
Earlier in 2022, the two oral antiviral treatments were given Emergency Use Authorization for treating mild to moderate outpatient cases of COVID-19. These antiviral treatments—Paxlovid and molnupiravir—must be taken within 5 days of symptoms starting and a person must have a confirmed COVID-19 infection to be prescribed. The NIH notes that “Because viral replication may be particularly active early in …
Read More »On April 13, the Washington State Board of Health (SBOH) voted not to include the COVID-19 vaccine in schools’ immunization requirements. Since 1979, Washington state law has required school children to receive certain vaccines before attending school or day care. The SBOH uses a careful review process before deciding which vaccines are required. Currently vaccines against hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox (varicella) are required for all students.
The Board worked with immunization stakeholders from public health, schools, childcare, medicine, epidemiology, child advocacy, medical ethics, and families to develop standards for decisions on vaccine mandates. In general, the Board concluded that vaccine requirements for schoolchildren are justified if not having them: Compromises the state’s obligation to protect public health and safety Means individual decisions jeopardize others’ health Threatens the …
Read More »Research Shows That the COVID-19 Vaccine Does Not Impact Pregnancy — But a COVID-19 Infection Might.
According to experts at Johns Hopkins Medicine, no evidence has been found to suggest COVID-19 vaccine affects fertility. In a Boston University study of 2,000 couples examining the effects of COVID-19 on fertility, scientists found that the vaccine has no impact on the ability to conceive. Additionally, scientists found no difference in the likelihood of conception between couples in which either partner …
Read More »Older Adults, Immunocompromised, and J&J Vaccine Recipients Now Eligible for a Second Booster Dose
On March 31, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published updated COVID-19 vaccination guidance related to second booster doses. Older adults, those considered moderately or severely immunocompromised and any recipient of an initial and booster dose of the J&J/Janssen vaccine are now eligible to receive a second booster dose. Older Adults Individuals 50 years and older who …
Read More »Frequently Asked Questions | Testing for COVID-19
Accessing testing kits Where can I get a COVID-19 test? Please try the following options: While supplies last, order a free testing kit from Say Yes! COVID Test (sayyescovidhometest.org // https://www.sayyescovidhometest.org/casa.html) Limit one order per household.Order a free testing kit from the Federal program at CovidTests.gov. Limit one order per household.Purchase an at-home test at local retailers and pharmacies.If you …
Read More »Frequently Asked Questions | Testing for COVID-19
Accessing testing kits Where can I get a COVID-19 test? Please try the following options: While supplies last, order a free testing kit from Say Yes! COVID Test (sayyescovidhometest.org // https://www.sayyescovidhometest.org/casa.html) Limit one order per household.Order a free testing kit from the Federal program at CovidTests.gov. Limit one order per household.Purchase an at-home test at local retailers and pharmacies.If you …
Read More »What to Know About Omicron
A Conversation with DOH’s Chief Science Officer, Dr. Kwan-Gett Omicron is here in Washington in a big way. In the last several weeks, we’ve seen omicron become the most prevalent COVID-19 variant in Washington. Currently, it makes up over 90% of all sequenced specimens. It’s frustrating to face yet another wave of COVID-19, especially one that’s impacting everybody in some …
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