Health
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- Written by: Editor
The workgroup provided its confirmation to the governors of California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington on Friday.
The workgroup recommended the following groups of people who received the Pfizer vaccine should receive a booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine after six months:
— People 65 and older;
— People living in a long-term care facility; and
— People 50-64 with underlying medical conditions.
In addition, the workgroup recommended that the following groups of people ages 18 to 64 who received the Pfizer vaccine may also receive a booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine after six months:
— People with underlying medical conditions; and
— People who are at higher risk of COVID-19 exposure and transmission due to occupational or institutional setting.
The workgroup strongly endorsed the CDC’s recognition that long-standing health and social inequities have increased the risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and recommended that social determinants of vulnerability be included in the assessment of medical conditions that qualify individuals for booster doses.
Because unvaccinated individuals remain at much higher risk of COVID-19 than vaccinated individuals, the Workgroup also reiterated that its members strongly support vaccination against COVID-19 for everyone 12 years of age and older.
On Wednesday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized booster shots of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for people 65 and older and those that are at higher risk for COVID-19, and the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices affirmed that decision on Thursday.
On Thursday, the CDC also recommended people at higher risk due to occupational or institutional setting also be eligible for Pfizer booster doses. The Workgroup reviewed and affirmed the federal decisions in meetings Thursday evening and Friday morning.
Recognizing that only Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines have been authorized for booster doses, the Workgroup implored the FDA and CDC to quickly find solutions to sustain the protection of the most vulnerable individuals who have received a Moderna or Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine.
The workgroup also applauded the donation of COVID-19 vaccines to nations in need and called for an expansion of those efforts to protect the global community, save lives, and prevent the emergence of new COVID-19 variants.
Washington, Oregon, and Nevada joined California’s COVID-19 Scientific Safety Review Workgroup in October.
The workgroup, made up of nationally-acclaimed scientists with expertise in immunization and public health, has concurrently and independently reviewed the FDA’s actions related to COVID-19 vaccines. It will continue to evaluate other COVID-19 vaccines as they go through the federal process.
"Vaccines are how we end this pandemic. With today’s Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup recommendation, California is ready to go on day one to begin administering Pfizer-BioNTech boosters to eligible Californians, in addition to our continued work in reaching those who remain unvaccinated to protect communities. Vaccines save lives, and boosters are a critical next step towards better protecting Californians from COVID-19,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom of California.
"COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, and vaccination continues to be our path out of this pandemic. Seniors who have received the Pfizer vaccine, as well as Oregonians who have underlying health conditions, live in long-term care facilities, or who are at higher risk due to occupational or institutional setting will now be able to receive the additional layer of protection provided by a booster shot,” said Gov. Kate Brown of Oregon. “Everyone eligible who wants a booster will get one, and I'm committed to ensuring our most vulnerable Oregonians are protected from COVID-19, including those who are at higher risk due to systemic health and social inequities. I’d like to thank Oregonians for their patience as boosters become available while our hospitals and health care workers continue to respond to the ongoing Delta surge."
“Again, I offer my thanks to my fellow governors and the members of the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup. The group was able to come together quickly for a robust discussion of the recommendations related to the Pfizer vaccine that will increase protection for our vulnerable residents and work to end this pandemic. The inclusion and recognition that health disparities exist in our communities is a vital addition to the federal recommendations and I hope this independent review gives Nevadans confidence in the process. Every vaccination moves us one step closer to recovery and our State team and vaccinating providers stand ready to implement the latest guidance,” said Gov. Steve Sisolak of Nevada.
“Vaccines work and I am pleased that the Western State Group is taking this step in endorsing boosters for those who are most vulnerable. We need to protect Washingtonians most at risk for severe COVID illness. Providing boosters will help keep our residents safe and allow us to have an added layer of protection as cases, hospitalizations and deaths continue to rise in our state. I am pleased that we are focusing on all of those at the greatest risk, including those who face inequities in our system. Together, vaccinations will get us out of the COVID pandemic,” said
Gov. Jay Inslee of Washington.
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- Written by: Partnership HealthPlan of California
Dr. Marshall Kubota, regional medical director at Partnership HealthPlan of California, or PHC, is reminding women of the importance of taking care of themselves by having a screening mammogram, as recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidelines.
“Early detection of breast cancer by getting a mammogram can save your life,” Kubota says. “Schedule yours today.”
The guidelines recommend that all women between the ages of 50 and 74 have a screening mammogram once every two years. For PHC members, there is no charge for this exam.
PHC, which administers Medi-Cal benefits for more than 590,000 members across 14 counties in Northern California, is encouraging mammograms via its Well-Woman Birthday Club program, which gives women who complete their mammogram a $30 gift card.
Through the birthday club, members eligible for mammogram screenings get a birthday card from Partnership, the month prior to their birthday, as a reminder to make appointments for yearly preventive exams, including a screening mammogram.
The card lists instructions on how to schedule a mammogram and informs members of the $30 gift card.
PHC has teamed up with primary care providers and all imaging sites in Lake and Mendocino counties to make scheduling a screening mammogram easy.
Dr. Jerry Douglas, chief medical officer with Mendocino Community Health Centers, reminds women, “Don’t put off preventive care for you or your family. Now is a great time to catch up on needed care.”
For questions about the program, members should contact their primary care provider or PHC’s Population Health Department at 855-798-8764.
Partnership HealthPlan of California is a nonprofit community-based health care organization that contracts with the state to administer Medi-Cal benefits. PHC provides quality care to over 600,000 Medi-Cal members.
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- Written by: Editor
Look for the OPTUM Mobile Van at the Main Gate from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Get newly vaccinated and get into the Lake County Fair for free.
Plus, Partnership HealthPlan will be on-site with the OPTUM Mobile Van Saturday and Sunday, offering $25 gift cards to people newly vaccinated.
This weekend only, get vaccinated, get into the fair for free and get a $25 Gift Card, courtesy of Partnership HealthPlan.
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- Written by: Editor
Despite the fact that Lake County has seen more than its fair share of fires, Lake County residents remain remarkably resilient.
However, it is common for folks who endure these situations to experience strong emotions during and after the event.
Wildfires, in particular, can be stressful due to the fact they are unpredictable, and can gain strength and change direction at any moment. Suddenly, communities that seemed to be clear of any danger needed to evacuate.
Although well-orchestrated firefighting must be recognized and appreciated, sometimes destruction of property and even loss of life is unpreventable.
Denial and shock are common reactions to natural disasters, particularly immediately after the event. These are normal protective reactions.
However, once the shock subsides, people react differently from one another. These are common reactions to a traumatic event such as a wildfire:
· Recurring emotional reactions are common. Reminders such as sirens, fire engines, ash and smoke can create anxiety. Flashbacks may occur for no obvious reason, and could lead to negative mental and physical reactions. It can make it difficult to make rational decisions and some may become disoriented or confused. Eating and sleeping patterns can also be disrupted.
· Feelings can become unpredictable and intense. Moods may dramatically change back and forth. Some individuals experience depression and anxiety.
· Relationships can become strained, especially if living in a shelter or temporary housing.
It is critical to remember there is no one “standard” reaction to stress. There are a number of things one can do to restore health and well-being including:
· It’s OK to allow time to mourn any losses you or your loved ones have experienced.
· Take a break. Manage your intake of news about the disaster. While getting updated information is important, being over-exposed can potentially increase stress levels.
· Healthy behaviors. Avoid drugs and alcohol, as they can suppress feelings rather than helping manage and ease stress. Eating well-balanced meals and getting exercise along with proper rest are further best practices to minimize stress and restore normalcy and security.
“Some folks are able to deal with the emotional demands brought on by wildfires by utilizing their own support systems. Deeper problems can persist and can get in the way of everyday living,” said Todd Metcalf, Lake County Behavioral Health Services director. “People experiencing prolonged stress should consult with a mental health professional.”
For help and more information, please visit the Lake County Behavioral Health Services website at http://lcbh.lakecountyca.gov/ or call 707-274-9101 or 707-994-7090. If in crisis, please dial 800-900-2075.
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