Showing posts with label COVID-19. Show all posts
Showing posts with label COVID-19. Show all posts

UW Med: BA.5 variant is 'one of the largest surges we’ve had'

Monday, July 25, 2022

Dr. John Lynch, Medical Director of Infection
Control at Harborview Medical Center
UW Medicine Infectious Diseases physician Dr. John Lynch says the BA.5 variant’s apparent strength in evading previous immune protection is driving a summer surge in new COVID-19 cases. 

“We're probably at a number (of total cases) less than what we saw in January, but something very sizable and probably one of the largest surges we've had through the whole pandemic,” said Lynch, the medical director of infection control at Harborview Medical Center.

As of July 22, 86 inpatients were receiving treatment at UW Medicine hospitals for COVID-19 infections. 

The most recent UW Virology data available from July 3 shows the BA.5 variant accounted for 66.9% of the lab’s sequenced positive COVID-19 tests. 

Lynch says the momentum of the latest variant should serve as encouragement for those eligible to stay current on booster vaccinations.

“I am very pro-booster. I think that if you're eligible for boosters in any way, shape, or form – you should definitely get them. For those who are eligible for that second booster, absolutely get it on board,” said Lynch. 
“I do not think that waiting for an omicron-specific booster or vaccine in the fall is necessary. We really know we're in a surge right now with a highly transmissible variant.”

People under age 50 who are not immunocompromised remain ineligible for a second COVID-19 booster shot at this time. Stay apprised on the latest developments by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.



Read more...

Free vaccine clinic Friday July 22, 2022 for 6mo and older

Wednesday, July 20, 2022

The Shoreline Senior Activity Center is hosting a clinic on Friday, July 22, 2022, 9am to 3pm for COVID-19 vaccines. Both Moderna and Pfizer vaccines will be administered for those as young as 6 months.


Make appointments for 6 mos to 4/5 years with this QR code

Everyone is welcome, regardless of immigration status.

The Shoreline Senior Activity Center is located in the southernmost building on the Shoreline Center campus, 18560 1st Ave NE #1

Masks and social distancing required. Vaccines and boosters are free - no insurance required.

Information about vaccine safety here: kingcounty.gov/vaccine

Age 5 to adult
Make appointments for age 5 and up with this QR code.

Drop ins are welcome.

If you need language interpretation or online help, call the following hotlines.

Say your preferred language when connected.
  • WA State COVID-19 Assistance hotline: 1-800-525-0127 or 1-888-856-5816 (then press #), 6am – 10pm Monday, 6am – 6pm (Tuesday – Sunday)
  • King County COVID-19 Call Center: 206-477-3977, 8am – 7pm
Your information is confidential, and we will not disclose it unless required by law. Tell them you plan to attend the July 26 clinic at the Shoreline Senior Center.



Read more...

UW Med: Booster shots with existing vaccines offset some Omicron immune evasion tactics

Tuesday, July 19, 2022

Research in Veesler lab photo courtesy UW Med
Although Omicron subvariants of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic coronavirus have evolved to evade antibody responses from the primary COVID-19 vaccine series, a new laboratory study suggests current vaccine boosters may elicit sufficient immune protection against severe Omicron-induced COVID-19 disease.

The project assessed a comprehensive panel of seven vaccines available in the United States or in other parts of the world, as well as immunity acquired through previous infection.

The findings are published today as an Early Release paper in Science because of their significance to the pandemic.Researchers in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle led the international study.

As the COVID-19 pandemic overstays its appearance on the world stage, genetic variants of the causative virus have emerged that are more transmissible, fitter, and more adept at avoiding infection-fighting strategies. 

The latest variant of concern, Omicron, has greatly diverged from the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 strain. It consists of several sublineages, including BA.5, which is predicted to soon dominate globally by replacing other variants. It is likely to become the most immune evasive SARS-CoV-2 variant to date. 
The results reported today in Science showed that the ability of Omicron BA.5 to bind with host cell receptors was more than 6 times stronger than the ancestral COVID-19 coronavirus.

The research team analyzed plasma samples from people who had been infected with COVID-19 before vaccines were available, as well as those who had completed only a primary vaccine series, and others who had been boosted with currently available vaccines. The vaccines assessed in this project were Moderna, Pfizer, Novavax, Jannsen, AstraZeneca, Sinopharm and Sputnik V.

The marked improvement in Omicron neutralizing activity in the plasma of boosted individuals highlights the importance of vaccine boosters in improving the potency of antibody responses against the Omicron strains.

--UW Med



Read more...

Vaccination clinic at Senior Activity Center in Shoreline Friday for 6 months and older

Sunday, July 17, 2022

 
Free COVID-19 vaccinates for adults and children 6 months and older on Friday July 22, 2022 from 9am to 3pm at the Shoreline / LFP Senior Activity Center 18560 1st Ave NE #1, Shoreline WA 98155.

Vaccines and boosters are free - no insurance required. Everyone is welcome, regardless of immigration status.

Registration:
  • Use the QR codes in the flyer - they will take you right to the page to make an appointment; 
    • Pfizer 6 months to 4 years and Moderna 6 months to 5 years
    • Adults and children age 5 and older
Masks and social distancing required. 
Information about safety:kingcounty.gov/vaccine

Update 7/19/22 The links do not work and have been removed from the article (but not the flyer). 

The QR codes work well.

In order to use them you need to have a smartphone. Find and download the app for QR codes. Once you have the app just hold your photo up to show the code and it will take you to the appointment site. As the codes are very close to each other in the flyer, it would be a good idea to hold a plain piece of paper over the code you do not want.

There are now advertisements at the bottom of the QR code screen so be careful not to touch the "install" button or you will end up with an app you don't want.



Read more...

COVID-19 Local Case Numbers as of Friday, July 15, 2022

KING COUNTY HOSPITALIZATIONS


COVID-19 Local Case Numbers as of Friday, July 15, 2022

King county transmission rates are edging into HIGH. Masks are recommended for indoor events.

The Shoreline Senior Activity Center will hold a vaccination clinic on Friday, July 22, 2022 from 9am to 3pm. Use the QR codes to register. Walk-ups ok but no guarantees. Vaccines available for 6mo through adult.  

King county cases

Cases in past 7 days - 7,060
Average daily cases - 1,052

King county hospitalizations

Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 134
Average daily hospitalizations - 19

King county deaths

Deaths in past 14 days - 38
Daily average deaths - 3


Seattle Cases

Cases in past 7 days - 2,646
Average daily cases - 389

Seattle Hospitalizations

Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 35
Average daily hospitalizations - 5

Seattle Deaths

Deaths in 14 days - 7
Average daily deaths - <1


Shoreline cases

Cases in past 7 days - 213
Average daily cases - 31

Shoreline Hospitalizations

Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 4
Average daily hospitalizations - <1

Shoreline Deaths

Total deaths - 145
Deaths in 14 days - 4
Average daily deaths - <1


Lake Forest Park cases

Cases in past 7 days - 36
Average daily cases - 5

Lake Forest Park Hospitalizations

Total hospitalizations - 40
Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 1
Average daily hospitalizations - <1

Lake Forest Park Deaths

Total deaths - 8
Deaths in 14 days - 1
Average daily deaths - <1



Read more...

How to keep kids safe from COVID this summer: A checklist for parents

Monday, July 11, 2022


From Public Health - Seattle / King county
By Meredith Li-Vollmer

Summer is here, and that brings a mix of emotions for parents. Let’s be real, this year has been a dumpster fire of stress and anxiety for parents navigating the pandemic. While some may feel relief, others are facing a whole new set of questions about how to keep their kids safe from COVID-19 in settings like camps or during summer travel. When kids have less structured time, some kids may need to make more of their own health and safety choices.

No matter your plans or circumstances, we’ve put together a checklist for you to make it a little bit easier to track all the current recommendations about keeping kids protected from COVID. We hope it can make the difference between COVID spoiled plans and the summertime fun we all need and deserve.

Summer COVID safety checklist

Stay up-to-date on vaccinations

Now, everyone aged 6 months and older can get COVID-19 vaccinations. This is an especially important layer of protection for young children, who aren’t able to do all the things older people can do to prevent the spread of germs, like keep a mask on, stay away from others, or frankly, not put things in their mouths.

And even though children usually don’t get as sick as adults from COVID, on occasion they do get serious infections. Children can also get long term health problems from the virus, known as “long COVID.”

The COVID-19 vaccines for children have been shown to be very effective in preventing severe illness, long-term symptoms, hospitalization and death. Is it possible that a child could still get COVID after a vaccination? Yes, but if they do, their infection will be milder and less contagious. And they will be well protected against the most serious health problems from COVID.

Children over the age of 5 should get a booster dose if it’s been at least 5 months since their second shot. The protection your child gets from a vaccination (or from having had COVID) fades over time, but a booster dose will keep the protection going strong.

Public Health’s vaccination sites in Eastgate (Bellevue) and Auburn are now taking drop-ins and same-day appointments for babies and children over 6 months. For more information: kingcounty.gov/vaccine.

Outdoors is best: Increase ventilation and open windows when indoors

COVID spreads most easily indoors, so choose outdoor activities and dining when possible. And when your child is indoors, increase the air flow to dilute any potential viruses that are in the air. Open windows and doors. If you can, use an air cleaner with a portable filter, or put a fan in the window to blow out contaminated air and pull fresh air indoors. Learn how you can improve air quality in your home.

Wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces

Right now, it’s still a good idea for kids (and adults) to wear a high-quality (N95, KN95, KF94) and well-fitting face mask in crowded indoor spaces. A high-quality mask can reduce their risk of infection when they are in spaces that don’t have good ventilation. This is especially important for people who are immunocompromised or unvaccinated and people who are not up to date with their vaccinations (including booster doses).

Free N-95s are available from the federal government at some Walgreen’s and CVS pharmacies (check ahead to see if they are in stock).

Follow CDC travel guidance

Catching COVID during travel can ruin a vacation and create more challenges coming home. Testing is no longer required for travelers, but to protect your family from COVID, check COVID-19 Community Levels for your destination before you go and follow local guidelines.

Do not travel if:
  • you:have symptoms or tested positive for COVID-19
  • are awaiting COVID-19 test results
  • had close contact with a person with COVID-19 and are recommended to quarantine.

If you had close contact with a person with COVID-19 but are NOT recommended to quarantine:
  • Get tested at least 5 days after your last close contact. Make sure your test result is negative and you remain without symptoms before traveling.
  • If you had confirmed COVID-19 within the past 90 days, you do NOT need to get tested, but you should still follow all other recommendations (including getting tested if you develop COVID-19 symptoms).
See full guidance for international travel on the CDC website.

Order your at-home tests

Before the flurry of summer gatherings and travel, now is a good time to stock up on at-home tests.

You can request free rapid test kits from:
If you have insurance, you can request to be reimbursed. Insurance providers will reimburse families for up to eight tests per month.

Visit our COVID-19 self-testing page for guidance on when and how to use at-home tests, including videos that show you how to test your child at home.

Keep kids home when sick

Outbreaks of COVID are so disruptive to childcare, camps, and other programs for kids, as any parent of young children knows. All summer day camps, childcare and youth development programs must follow the same Washington Department of Health -19 safety requirements and guidelines as K-12 schools, and that includes keeping kids home when sick.

Overnight camp operators should follow the Washington State Department of Health COVID-19 Guidance for Overnight Group Summer Camps and Similar Activities (wa.gov) which includes guidance around key strategies including testing and masking.

Be kind to yourself. We are all doing our best.

Thank you, parents and caregivers, for doing all that you do to protect your children, other people’s children, and the whole community! 



Read more...

COVID-19 Local Case Numbers as of Friday, July 8, 2022

Sunday, July 10, 2022

 
KING COUNTY HOSPITALIZATIONS


COVID-19 Local Case Numbers as of Friday, July 8, 2022

Health experts are worrying about the recent COVID-19 variants and the increasing transmission rates, so exercise some caution, particularly in crowded indoor spaces.

Check your local pharmacy to see if they have vaccines for children in stock.  

King county cases

Cases in past 7 days - 6,369
Average daily cases - 956

King county hospitalizations

Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 137
Average daily hospitalizations - 20

King county deaths

Deaths in past 14 days - 39
Daily average deaths - 3


Seattle Cases

Cases in past 7 days - 2,539
Average daily cases - 377

Seattle Hospitalizations

Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 34
Average daily hospitalizations - 5

Seattle Deaths

Deaths in 14 days - 6
Average daily deaths - <1


Shoreline cases

Cases in past 7 days - 208
Average daily cases - 31

Shoreline Hospitalizations

Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 7
Average daily hospitalizations - <1

Shoreline Deaths

Total deaths - 142
Deaths in 14 days - 2
Average daily deaths - <1


Lake Forest Park cases

Cases in past 7 days - 42
Average daily cases - 6

Lake Forest Park Hospitalizations

Total hospitalizations - 39
Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 0
Average daily hospitalizations - 0

Lake Forest Park Deaths

Total deaths - 7
Deaths in 14 days - 1
Average daily deaths - <1



Read more...

COVID-19 Local Case Numbers as of Friday, July 1, 2022

Monday, July 4, 2022

 
HOSPITALIZATIONS IN KING COUNTY
March 1 to July 1,2022

COVID-19 Local Case Numbers as of Friday, July 1, 2022

The CDC has advised residents of six Washington counties to wear masks indoors: Lewis County, Pacific County, Thurston County, Grays Harbor County, Garfield County and Spokane County.

Safeway pharmacy has vaccines in stock for kids 3-4. Call your local store for appointments.

King county cases

Cases in past 7 days - 6,921
Average daily cases - 1,045

King county hospitalizations

Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 116
Average daily hospitalizations - 17

King county deaths

Deaths in past 14 days - 27
Daily average deaths - 2


Seattle Cases

Cases in past 7 days - 2,805
Average daily cases - 420

Seattle Hospitalizations

Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 29
Average daily hospitalizations - 4

Seattle Deaths

Deaths in 14 days - 6
Average daily deaths - <1


Shoreline cases

Cases in past 7 days - 217
Average daily cases - 32

Shoreline Hospitalizations

Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 3
Average daily hospitalizations - <1

Shoreline Deaths

Total deaths - 140
Deaths in 14 days - 1
Average daily deaths - <1


Lake Forest Park cases

Cases in past 7 days - 52
Average daily cases - 8

Lake Forest Park Hospitalizations

Total hospitalizations - 39
Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 1
Average daily hospitalizations - <1

Lake Forest Park Deaths

Total deaths - 6
Deaths in 14 days - 0
Average daily deaths - 0



Read more...

COVID-19 Local Case Numbers as of Friday, June 24, 2022

Monday, June 27, 2022

KING COUNTY

COVID-19 Local Case Numbers as of Friday, June 24, 2022

Safeway pharmacy has vaccines in stock for kids 3-4. Call your local store for appointments.

King county cases

Cases in past 7 days - 6,633
Average daily cases - 1,101

King county hospitalizations

Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 100
Average daily hospitalizations - 14

King county deaths

Deaths in past 14 days - 28
Daily average deaths - 2


Seattle Cases

Cases in past 7 days - 2,600
Average daily cases - 384

Seattle Hospitalizations

Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 24
Average daily hospitalizations - 3

Seattle Deaths

Deaths in 14 days - 5
Average daily deaths - <1


Shoreline cases

Cases in past 7 days - 225
Average daily cases - 34

Shoreline Hospitalizations

Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 2
Average daily hospitalizations - <1

Shoreline Deaths

Total deaths - 140
Deaths in 14 days - 1
Average daily deaths - <1


Lake Forest Park cases

Cases in past 7 days - 44
Average daily cases - 6

Lake Forest Park Hospitalizations

Total hospitalizations - 39
Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 1
Average daily hospitalizations - <1

Lake Forest Park Deaths

Total deaths - 6
Deaths in 14 days - 0
Average daily deaths - 0



Read more...

Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup finds Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are safe and effective for children as young as 6 months old

Tuesday, June 21, 2022

Photo courtesy WA Deptartment of Health
The Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup today completed its review of the federal process and has unanimously concluded that the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are safe and effective for children as young as 6 months old. 

The Workgroup provided its confirmation to the governors of Washington, California, Nevada and Oregon this afternoon.

The Moderna two-dose vaccine series and the Pfizer three-dose vaccine series are now available to children as young as 6 months old. 

The Washington State Department of Health last week said once vaccines were approved they will begin supplying healthcare providers with vaccines for children ages 6 months to 4 years.

On Friday, June 17, 2022 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the use of the vaccines in children as young as 6 months old, and the CDC affirmed that decision on Saturday. The Workgroup reviewed the federal decisions on Saturday and affirmed them today.

The Workgroup thoroughly reviewed safety and efficacy data for the vaccines. The Workgroup found that completion of either vaccine series produced antibody levels similar to those achieved in individuals aged 16-25 years. Observed vaccine reactions among infants aged 6-12 months and children aged 1 through 5 years were consistent with reactions to other vaccines routinely recommended for these age groups.

The Workgroup concluded that the benefits of completing either vaccine series substantially outweigh any known or likely risks. Immunization can be expected to reduce the numbers of COVID-19-related serious illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths in young children while facilitating their participation in normal educational, social and recreational activities.

Washington, Oregon, and Nevada joined California’s COVID-19 Scientific Safety Review Workgroup in October 2020. 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.

Statement from Washington Governor Jay Inslee:

“This is excellent news for Washington families and I know many parents who have been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to get their youngest children vaccinated. I encourage parents to contact their trusted providers to discuss any questions or concerns. These vaccines remain the most important tool in our continued efforts to keep people safe from severe COVID illness or hospitalization.”

Statement from California Governor Gavin Newsom:

“Vaccines are safe, effective, and widely accessible – we’re strongly encouraging parents to protect their kids from COVID-19 with these vaccines, and California has pre-ordered nearly 400,000 doses that can be administered at the more than 8,500 vaccine sites throughout the state.”

Statement from Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak:

“Many families have been waiting for the opportunity to vaccinate their youngest members and I am happy that day has come. Families can have the peace of mind of the thorough review process these vaccines have gone through, but I encourage families to speak to a trusted health care provider about any questions they have. Vaccines protect against serious illness, and I offer my thanks to all those who continue to serve on the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup to confirm the recommendations and guidance for COVID-19 vaccines.”

Statement from Oregon Governor Kate Brown:

“This is a long awaited moment for so many families. With today’s review by leading doctors, pediatricians, and health experts, Oregon parents and children can be confident in the safety and effectiveness of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines for children as young as 6 months old. It is completely normal for parents and kids to have questions about vaccines––I urge you to reach out to your family doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist and get your questions answered today.”



Read more...

Children ages 6 months – 4 years may soon be eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations

Friday, June 17, 2022

Photo courtesy Vaccines.gov
OLYMPIA – Several COVID-19 vaccination series for children are being considered for emergency use authorization in the coming days, including:
  • A Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children ages 6 months – 4 years
  • A Moderna vaccines for children ages 6 months -- 5 years
  • A second Moderna vaccine for youth ages 6 – 17 years

The agencies that must authorize or recommend vaccines for these ages are the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, and the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup. 

If the recommendations for these vaccines pass, the Washington State Department of Health will begin supplying healthcare providers with vaccines for children ages 6 months to 4 years.

“Getting vaccinated remains the best way to protect yourself and those around you. We applaud the patience of parents awaiting this authorization,” said Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH, Secretary of Health. 
“We expect enough vaccines to meet initial demand and that supply will continue to increase in the coming days and weeks.

“We will continue to monitor supply to meet the needs of those seeking out COVID-19 vaccines for all age groups. We are all in it together.”

While parents are understandably eager for their young children to receive these vaccines, similar to other vaccine rollouts the Department of Health urges them to remain patient. 

Overwhelming demand may temporarily slow the pediatric vaccination process while more providers and healthcare systems may take time to support the potential increase in demand.

To make a vaccine or booster appointment, visit Vaccine Locator, Vaccines.gov, or call the COVID-19 Information Hotline at 833-VAX-HELP or simply contact your local pharmacy. 



Read more...

COVID-19 Local Case Numbers as of Friday, June 10, 2022

Monday, June 13, 2022

REGIONAL COVID-19 NUMBERS
REGION RESULTS FOR Shoreline, LFP, North Seattle

COVID-19 Local Case Numbers as of Friday, June 10, 2022

Stay current on vaccinations and boosters, keep the windows open, and consider wearing a mask at crowded events.

King county cases
  • Cases in past 7 days - 8,147 
  • Average daily cases - 1,250
King county hospitalizations
  • Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 103 
  • Average daily hospitalizations - 15
King county deaths
  • Deaths in past 14 days - 32 
  • Daily average deaths - 2

Seattle Cases
  • Cases in past 7 days - 3,432 
  • Average daily cases - 490
Seattle Hospitalizations
  • Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 28 
  • Average daily hospitalizations - 4
Seattle Deaths
  • Deaths in 14 days - 9  
  • Average daily deaths - 1

Shoreline cases
  • Cases in past 7 days - 232
  • Average daily cases - 34
Shoreline Hospitalizations
  • Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 3    
  • Average daily hospitalizations - <1
Shoreline Deaths
  • Total deaths - 139
  • Deaths in 14 days - 2
  • Average daily deaths - <1

Lake Forest Park cases
  • Cases in past 7 days - 64
  • Average daily cases - 10
Lake Forest Park Hospitalizations
  • Total hospitalizations - 36
  • Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 0 
  • Average daily hospitalizations - 0
Lake Forest Park Deaths
  • Total deaths - 6
  • Deaths in 14 days - 0 
  • Average daily deaths - 0


Read more...

COVID-19 Local Case Numbers as of Friday, June 3, 2022

Monday, June 6, 2022

Remember that case numbers are greatly underreported as people test and recover at home. 


COVID-19 Local Case Numbers as of Friday, June 3, 2022

Local numbers remain low. To keep them that way, stay current on vaccinations and boosters, keep the windows open, and consider wearing a mask at crowded events.


King county cases
  • Total confirmed cases - 408,265
  • Cases in past 7 days - 6,806 
  • Average daily cases - 1,042
King county hospitalizations
  • Total hospitalizations - 12,081
  • Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 110 
  • Average daily hospitalizations - 16
King county deaths
  • Total deaths - 2,822
  • Deaths in past 14 days - 32 
  • Daily average deaths - 2

Seattle Cases
  • Total confirmed cases - 121,593
  • Cases in past 7 days - 2,616 
  • Average daily cases - 389
Seattle Hospitalizations
  • Total hospitalizations - 2,621
  • Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 34 
  • Average daily hospitalizations - 5
Seattle Deaths
  • Total deaths - 663
  • Deaths in 14 days - 10  
  • Average daily deaths - 1

Shoreline cases
  • Total confirmed cases -  9,981
  • Cases in past 7 days - 224
  • Average daily cases - 32
Shoreline Hospitalizations
  • Total hospitalizations - 310
  • Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 2    
  • Average daily hospitalizations - <1
Shoreline Deaths
  • Total deaths - 137
  • Deaths in 14 days - 2
  • Average daily deaths - <1

Lake Forest Park cases
  • Total confirmed cases - 1,834
  • Cases in past 7 days - 55
  • Average daily cases - 8
Lake Forest Park Hospitalizations
  • Total hospitalizations - 36
  • Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 0 
  • Average daily hospitalizations - <1
Lake Forest Park Deaths
  • Total deaths - 6
  • Deaths in 14 days - 0 
  • Average daily deaths - 0


Read more...

King County Public Health: Indoor air quality is the key to staying healthy

With mask mandates lifted, you might have recently seen more emphasis on proper ventilation inside businesses to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

However, it’s not just businesses that need to worry about ventilation. Did you know that the average person spends 90% of their time indoors

That makes us vulnerable to indoor air contaminants — including, but not limited to, COVID-19.

Whether it’s to protect you from spring allergies, wildfire smoke season or illnesses like COVID, it’s good to know what to do to improve your indoor air quality.

Read more...

COVID-19 Local Case Numbers as of Friday, May 27, 2022

Sunday, May 29, 2022

King county numbers 5-27-2022


COVID-19 Local Case Numbers as of Friday, May 27, 2022

The numbers reported in this article are still being verified as the reporting agencies strive to confirm cause of death, remove duplicates, verify residence, and catch up to a huge backlog from January's surge.

Public Health also advises that the case numbers are most certainly underreported as people have access to home test kits and are either asymptomatic or mildly ill and recovering at home. They are watching the hospitalization numbers as an indicator. All the numbers are rising, but slowly, as the new variant takes hold.

Booster doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine are now available for children ages 5-11. Everyone is urged to stay current with vaccines and boosters.

King county cases
  • Total confirmed cases - 400,448
  • Cases in past 7 days - 8,162 - 1% increase from previous 7 days
  • Average daily cases - 1,244
King county hospitalizations
  • Total hospitalizations - 11,997
  • Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 106 -  -14% decrease from previous 7 days
  • Average daily hospitalizations - 15
King county deaths
  • Total deaths - 2,808
  • Deaths in past 14 days - 26 -   -16% decrease from previous 14 days
  • Daily average deaths - 2

Seattle Cases
  • Total confirmed cases - 118,803
  • Cases in past 7 days - 3,219 -  2% increase from previous 7 days
  • Average daily cases - 479
Seattle Hospitalizations
  • Total hospitalizations - 2,584
  • Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 29 -  -9% decrease from previous 7 days
  • Average daily hospitalizations - 4
Seattle Deaths
  • Total deaths - 657
  • Deaths in 14 days - 6 -  20% increase from previous 14 days
  • Average daily deaths - <1

Shoreline cases
  • Total confirmed cases -  9,768
  • Cases in past 7 days - 250 -  -5% decrease in past 7 days
  • Average daily cases - 37
Shoreline Hospitalizations
  • Total hospitalizations - 309
  • Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 1   - 67% decrease in past 7 days
  • Average daily hospitalizations - <1
Shoreline Deaths
  • Total deaths - 137
  • Deaths in 14 days - 1 - 83% decrease in past 14 days
  • Average daily deaths - <1

Lake Forest Park cases
  • Total confirmed cases - 1,787
  • Cases in past 7 days - 52 - 10% increase over previous 7 days
  • Average daily cases - 8
Lake Forest Park Hospitalizations
  • Total hospitalizations - 37
  • Hospitalizations in past 7 days - 3 - increase of 3 in past 7 days
  • Average daily hospitalizations - <1
Lake Forest Park Deaths
  • Total deaths - 6
  • Deaths in 14 days - 0 - no change
  • Average daily deaths - 0


Read more...

Children ages 5-11 now eligible for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster dose

Saturday, May 21, 2022

OLYMPIA – Booster doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine are now available for children ages 5-11. 

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) expanded booster dose eligibility to include everyone 5 and older.

This follows guidance and recommendations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, and the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup.

“The CDC’s announcement is welcome news as we continue to do everything we can to keep Washingtonians of all ages safe,” said Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH, Secretary of Health. 
“This pandemic is not over and we must continue to use the tools at our disposal. This includes masking, therapeutics, vaccinations and – of course – boosters. Keeping yourselves and those around you safe is of utmost importance, and this recommendation is another step in that direction.”

The expansion of booster eligibility comes as COVID-19 cases are continuing to steadily rise across the county. The myth that COVID-19 is always a mild disease in children needs to be dispelled. Since the beginning of the pandemic, more than 4.8 million children ages 5-11 have been diagnosed with COVID-19, with 15,000 hospitalized and, tragically, 180 deceased.

DOH’s updated booster dose recommendations are as follows:
  • Children ages 5-11 should receive a booster dose five months after completing their primary vaccine series of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. 
  • Immunocompromised children should receive their booster at least three months after their primary series.
  • Everyone 12 and older should receive a booster dose five months after completing their primary vaccine series of Pfizer or Moderna, or two months after receiving the single-shot Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine.
  • Everyone 50 and older should receive a second booster dose four months after receiving their first booster dose.
  • Individuals 12 and older who are moderately or severely immunocompromised should receive a second booster dose four months after receiving their first booster dose.
  • Those 18 and older who received a primary vaccine and booster dose of the J&J vaccine four months ago can receive a second booster dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

To make a vaccine or booster appointment, visit Vaccine Locator, Vaccines.gov, or call the COVID-19 Information Hotline at 833-VAX-HELP. Language assistance is available. Those with further questions are encouraged to visit DOH’s COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions webpage or talk to their trusted health care provider.

Check with your local pharmacy.


Read more...

UW Med: 1 million U.S. COVID deaths 'a real underestimate’

Sunday, May 15, 2022

John B. Lynch M.D., M.P.H.
Medical Director for Infection Prevention
President Biden reflected today on the sobering U.S. milestone of 1 million COVID-19 deaths. 

The CDC's official count has the U.S. on the cusp of that total, but UW Medicine infectious diseases physician Dr. John Lynch thinks the novel coronavirus’ true toll is much higher.

“That 1 million count, as large as it is, is a real underestimate of the number of people have died due to COVID-19,” said Lynch, the medical director for infection prevention at Harborview Medical Center.

“We have to think about (what’s) behind those 1 million deaths — all of the people who have lost someone, and the impacts on their families, the children of lost parents, the parents of lost children and other family members, as well as those who continue to struggle with the aftereffects of COVID,” he said.

COVID-19 continues to spread throughout western Washington. The daily volume of COVID inpatients at UW Medicine hospitals, at 31 on May 12, has risen recently.

“Two weeks ago, I was really talking about a range between 15 and 20,” Lynch said.

“Focus on keeping yourself safe and keeping your community safe. That includes your family, your friends, your colleagues as well as your loved ones,” said Lynch. 
“Wear a mask in an indoor space near other people. Get vaccinated and get boosted. If you're sick, get tested. And for those of you who need to get treated, make sure you get to that as soon as possible.”



Read more...
ShorelineAreaNews.com
Facebook: Shoreline Area News
Twitter: @ShorelineArea
Daily Email edition (don't forget to respond to the Follow.it email)

  © Blogger template The Professional Template II by Ourblogtemplates.com 2009

Back to TOP