January 7, 2021
In today’s update, you will find important information, including:
- RCC Shares the Latest COVID-19 Vaccine Updates
- New Resource for Members: KP.org Guide to Vaccine Prioritization and Eligibility
- Management of Vaccinated Health Care Personnel
- Important Safety Reminders for Staff at Care Delivery Facilities
Regional Command Center Leaders Share the Latest COVID-19 Vaccine Updates
During yesterday’s live audiocast, leaders provided important updates and answers on the COVID-19 vaccine and more.
If you missed it, listen to the audio recording (password: kpnw2020). You can also download a transcript of this audiocast. You can also review the COVID-19 FAQs on the COVID-19 NW page.
Plan on joining the next LIVE audio broadcast Tuesday, January 12, starting at 12:10 p.m. Submit your questions or suggestions for future topics.
New Resource for Members: KP.org Guide to Vaccine Prioritization and Eligibility
A recent update to the COVID-19 Vaccine page on kp.org provides detailed information on member eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine. This resource may be helpful in answering member questions and guiding them to the most current information.
Management of Vaccinated Health Care Personnel
Beginning Friday, January 8, employees who received the first dose of their 2-dose COVID vaccine series will begin receiving their second dose.
Please review the post vaccine workflow posted in December. It was specifically developed for health care personnel (HCP) recently vaccinated. This document provides guidance for the management of health care personnel who may have developed a local (mild, moderate, or severe) or systemic reaction, along with return to work guidelines.
Important Safety Reminders for Staff at Care Delivery Facilities
The following precautions are for the safety of everyone in our facilities.
- The expectation is that our patients will wear a mask in our facilities (including while in their hospital room). Exceptions are when they are alone and when they are medically unable to wear a mask due to delirium, confusion, severe COPD, etc. If a patient declines to wear a mask, share the message, “I understand you’d prefer not to wear a mask, but for everyone’s safety, wearing a mask is required inside this facility.” Patients should be given a “cover your cough” mask and instructed on proper use, including covering both their nose and mouth.
- Staff are expected to wear appropriate PPE (including masks) when inside our facilities.
- Staff are expected to wear their I.D. badge above their waist at all times (from before they are greeted at the entrance, to when they exit the building). As with PPE, this is a precaution to keep patients and staff safe.
Situation Update
Note: The COVID-19 Quick Facts Dashboard has been updated to include vaccination data.
Recognizing Our Flu Champions
In a year of abundant challenges and accomplishments, we want to give special thanks to our flu champions, whose determination and effort allowed us to successfully offer members and employees drive-through and walk-up flu vaccination clinics this flu season. Read more.
Remember, Flu Shots at Designated Pharmacies Extended to March 31
Members can now get a flu shot at designated pharmacies through March 31. Visit Kp.org to find a retail pharmacy location.
Reminder: Please wait 14 days between getting a flu vaccine and getting a COVID-19 vaccine. It is not known if getting the COVID-19 vaccine within 14 days of another vaccine will affect how each vaccine works.
Help Name the New Employee Recognition Program
Due to the success of last year’s COVID Hero Award program, we will be expanding the scope of the award this year to include work not related to the pandemic. And you can help! We invite you to get creative and submit a name for the new program to KPNW-Recognition@kp.org by Friday, January 22. Learn more.