In our health alert on June 20, 2022, an error was identified in the stated minimum interval when using Moderna COVID-19 vaccine in children 6 months through 5 years of age who are moderately to severely immunocompromised. The minimum interval between the second and third (additional) dose should be at least 4 weeks.
Today, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) released updated information and guidance on managing monkeypox virus infection through its California Health Alert Network (CAHAN). The Orange County Healthcare Agency (OCHCA) wants to make sure providers are aware of the potential for monkeypox virus infection in patients who meet epidemiologic criteria and/or a clinically consistent rash. As of this time no cases of Monkeypox virus infection have been identified in Orange County. More info...
(Santa Ana, CA) – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people between 13 and 64 years of age get tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS at least once as part of routine health care. For those at high risk of HIV, men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender individuals, and persons who inject drugs, the CDC recommends testing at least once per year as part of routine health care. June 27 marks National HIV Testing Day (NHTD), which promotes testing and early diagnosis of HIV. This year’s NHTD theme is HIV Testing is Self-care. HIV testing is an act of self-care, and knowledge of status is the gateway to engaging in prevention or treatment services that enable individuals, regardless of their status, to live a long and healthy life.
At the end of 2021, there were 6,772 people living with HIV in Orange County. The CDC estimates that an additional 950 Orange County residents have HIV and don’t know it – some of whom will develop AIDS before knowing they have HIV. Over 20% (54) of the 274 Orange County residents newly diagnosed with AIDS in 2021, learned they had HIV at the same time, indicating they were living with HIV for many years before getting ill. Many of these people had been to a health care setting like an emergency room, a community health center, or their doctor, but were not tested for HIV. A simple HIV test and treatment can prevent HIV from progressing to AIDS.
If you have never been tested for HIV, ask your health care provider for an HIV test. For those who test negative and are at high risk for HIV, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), a medication to prevent HIV is available. In addition to health care providers throughout Orange County, the following agencies offer free confidential HIV testing and free or low-cost PrEP services:
For more testing sites and information about HIV services in Orange County, please call (714) 834-8335 or visit www.ochealthinfo.com/phs/about/dcepi/hiv/sites
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(Santa Ana, CA) – In response to Sunday’s approval from the Western States Safety Review Workgroup and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) is finalizing preparations to offer the Moderna and Pfizer BioNTech vaccines for young children ages 6 months and older.
“Starting this week, limited shipments of COVID-19 vaccines for young children will begin shipping to providers who have ordered the vaccine through the CDPH, including the HCA,” says Dr. Clayton Chau, HCA Director. “The HCA’s Public Health Services Division will partner with Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) to make the vaccines for young children available at select locations as soon as shipments arrive, and sites are operationalized.”
Some vaccine locations which are currently in receipt of the initial vaccine shipments and offering appointments, can be found by visiting www.vaccines.gov and searching locations by ZIP Code. Parents and legal guardians seeking a vaccine for their eligible child(ren) can also check with their primary care providers and/or pharmacy for expedited availability. Vaccination appointments for the HCA/CHOC sites will be made available on www.Othena.com over the next week as plans are finalized
According to the Food and Drug Administration, clinical trials involving thousands of infants and toddlers 6 months and older firmly show that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and provide protection against infection. Children get a smaller dose of COVID-19 vaccine than teens and adults that is the right amount for their age group. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone ages 6 months and older get vaccinated against COVID-19.
COVID-19 primary series vaccination for children and teens (CDC), as of 6/19/22.
| Child's Age | Pfizer-BioNTech | Moderna |
|---|---|---|
| 6 months-4 years old | 3 dose primary series | 2 dose primary series |
| 5 years old | 2 dose primary series | 2 dose primary series |
| 6-17 years old | 2 dose primary series | Not authorized |
For more information on COVID-19 information and resources, including case counts, vaccination and testing in Orange County, visit ochealthinfo.com/covid.
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On June 18th the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended the use of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children 6 months through 4 years of age and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for children 6 months through 5 years of age. This recommendation was subsequently endorsed by the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup and California Department of Public Health. More info...
(Santa Ana, CA) –In response to several recent tragedies occurring in our county and throughout the U.S., the OC Health Care Agency’s (HCA) Mental Health and Recovery Services (MHRS) office encourages OC residents to seek support for yourself and your children with mental health and emotional challenges.
“There have been several distressing and heartbreaking events recently. I’m concerned for the children in our community and want to encourage families in Orange County to take advantage of tools and resources available to support our young people,” stated Board Chairman Doug Chaffee, Fourth District. “Coming together as neighbors to support one another is important when we are processing tragic events.”
Emotional support is important for everyone and being able to share healthy expressions of feelings with others is critical. Children often need help identifying feeling and how to express themselves. Focusing on positive activities for children and families can help address emotions like fear or sadness.
In 2021, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory on Protecting Youth Mental Health. In it, he states that today’s young people face unprecedented and uniquely hard to navigate challenges, causing an alarming increase in the prevalence of certain mental health conditions. The advisory contains recommendations on how families and caregivers can engage with children and youth on mental health topics, help them become more resilient, and address emerging mental health challenges. Read more: HHSAdvisory
“Traumatic events are cumulative, leaving their impact one on top of the other,” said Dr. Veronica Kelley, HCA’s Chief of Mental Health and Recovery Services. “Our brains can only take so much exposure to trauma, including disturbing images and upsetting news.” She recommends the following steps for care:
If you or someone you know needs to speak with some, the OC Nami/WarmLine is a free and confidential telephone service providing emotional support and resources to Orange County residents by calling or texting (714) 991-6412. Or contact OC Links to speak/chat/text 24/7 with a supportive Navigator trained to connect you with appropriate mental health services. Call or text (855) 625-4657, available in English, Arabic, Farsi, Korean, Spanish and Vietnamese.
Additional resources can be found by visiting www.OCNavigator.org.
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Yesterday, the CDC released through its Health Alert Network (HAN) Updated Case-Finding Guidance: Monkeypox Outbreak – United States, 2022. The Orange County Healthcare Agency (OCHCA) wants to make sure providers are aware of the potential for monkeypox virus infection in patients who meet epidemiologic criteria and/or a clinically consistent rash. As of this time, no cases of monkeypox virus infection have been identified in Orange County. While monkeypox remains rare, as of today 72 cases have been reported in 18 states and territories, including 15 cases in California. Globally, over 1,800 cases of monkeypox virus infection have been identified in 35 countries associated with the current outbreak. More info...
Orange County’s first West Nile Virus (WNV) positive mosquito sample of the season was identified through routine trapping and testing by the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (OCMVCD). The sample was identified last week in La Habra. WNV positive mosquito samples have also been identified in Riverside County this year. No human infections of WNV or SLEV have been identified so far this season in Orange County.
(Santa Ana, CA) –In response to rising COVID-19 cases and hospitalization trends throughout the U.S., the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) strongly advises Orange County residents and visitors take preventative measures to reduce their risk of spreading or getting sick from COVID-19, including testing, wearing well-fitted masks, and getting vaccinated.
Since early May, data has shown an increase in the seven-day average COVID-19 case rate in Orange County, from 7.6 to 18.3 per 100,000 people, and daily average cases, from 349 to 598. Hospitalizations have also increased from 81 to 131 people (including 7 pediatric), with 20 people in the ICU (3 pediatric). Most cases (87%) are among people under age 65.
“As we gather to honor those who died while serving our country this Memorial Day weekend and as we begin planning for summer events, we need to help support one another and reduce the risk of transmission, especially to those who may be at higher risk or unknowingly be at risk of getting infected,” says Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, County Health Officer. “Masking indoors or at crowded gatherings as well getting fully vaccinated and boosted remain the best way to protect ourselves and prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
CDC now recommends that children ages 5 through 11 years receive a booster shot 5 months after their initial Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination series. Parents are encouraged to talk to pediatricians about vaccination for this age group, as they are currently the demographic group with the lowest rate of vaccination. Additionally, second boosters are recommended for those who are age 50 and above or who are age 12 and up who are moderately or severely immunocompromised. To find out more when you qualify for a booster, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html. To find a vaccination location, visit www.myturn.ca.gov or www.othena.com.
The White House recently announced the availability of a third round of free at-home COVID-19 test kits ahead of possible summer surges. Families can now order eight more test kits by visiting www.covid.gov/tests. Residents are encouraged to test if you have symptoms, have been exposed to a known COVID-19, or before and after travel or gatherings.
Various therapeutic treatments are more readily available for people who have mild to moderate symptoms and who are at risk for disease progression. If you develop COVID-19 symptoms, isolate, get tested and talk to a healthcare provider about treatment options. (For more information about medical conditions that can lead to more severe COVID-19 illness, click here.).
For more information on COVID-19 information and resources, including case counts, vaccination and testing in Orange County, visit ochealthinfo.com/covid.
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Infant Formula Shortage:
As a national shortage of infant formula is impacting families and caregivers throughout the U.S., families are advised to contact their healthcare providers to help them navigate formula options when supplies are scarce.
Although recipes for homemade baby formulas on the internet may seem like an answer to the formula shortage, they can be dangerous for your baby's health. Pediatricians advise that homemade formula may not be safe or meet your baby's nutritional needs.
Parents and caregivers who are struggling with breastfeeding, or who are having difficulty locating formula are advised to contact their healthcare provider. Local Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program staff are available to provide support, information and experts to eligible families interested in increasing milk supply and are also available to support WIC families who are struggling to find formula. Contact your local WIC breastfeeding staff to learn more or visit: MyFamily.WIC.ca.gov.
For more information on local resources to find baby formula, go to: Infant Formula Shortage - OC Health Care Agency (everywomanoc.org) or call the Health Referral Line at 1-800-564-8448.
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Monkeypox Virus
Several cases of Monkeypox have been detected in different states throughout the U.S., including California. OC residents and visitors who have recently traveled to an area where monkeypox was reported or had close contact with someone suspected to have monkeypox and have symptoms (flu-like symptoms and a rash) are advised to seek immediate medical attention.
The risk of Monkeypox in the general population is very low. While this virus is rare, it is a potentially serious viral illness that typically begins with flu-like illness and swelling of the lymph nodes and progresses to a widespread rash on the face and body.
Local clinicians who have any suspected cases are advised to immediately contact the HCA’s Communicable Disease Control Division. For additional information see the attached Health Advisory from the California Department of Public Health.
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Translations: Chinese (Traditional), Korean, Spanish, Vietnamese
Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a Health Advisory with considerations around the phenomena of rebound, after treatment of patients with mild to moderate COVID-19, with Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir tablets; ritonavir tablets).