April 15, 2021
In today’s update, you will find important information, including:
- Vaccine Update: Latest on J&J Pause
- Audio Broadcast Recording and Summary
- Reminder: Pediatric Patients Allowed 2 Visitors in Hospitals or Clinics
- KPNW Superhero Award Winners
Vaccine Update: Latest on J&J Pause
As announced yesterday, Kaiser Permanente is pausing use of the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and the Food and Drug Administration. The CDC and FDA called for this pause as they review data on 6 reported U.S. cases of a rare and severe type of blood clot in individuals who received the J&J vaccine. We are reviewing data regarding our administration of the J&J vaccine to identify any potential cases of this rare reaction and will continue to monitor information coming from the CDC and FDA.
KPNW is reaching out to members we know received the J&J vaccine (approx. 3,900) to provide information and support. We are informing them that severe blood clots are extremely rare, but providing clear guidance on symptoms: “In the first 3 weeks after your vaccination, if you experience severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, new leg swelling, or shortness of breath, please call our Appointment and Advice Call Center at 1-800-813-2000 (TYY 711) ) or go to your nearest urgent care center. At this time, there is little evidence of side effects a month after vaccination.”
Our supply of J&J had dwindled recently, so we have been able to reschedule or substitute a different vaccine for an upcoming J&J appointment.
Audio Broadcast Recording and Summary
Thank you to all who were able to join Tuesday’s live audio broadcast. If you missed it or want to review and discuss key topics with your team:
Listen to the audio recording (password: kpnw2021). Use the timestamps to jump immediately to specific topics. Topics discussed on April 13:
- Welcome and Community Update | Dr. Mary Giswold (00:00 – 03:19)
- Self-Care | Dr. Pavan Somusetty (03:20 – 12:35)*
- Vaccine Surge Planning | Michelle Teeples (12:36 – 21:33)
- Clinical Updates | Dr. Steven Spindel (21:34 – 31:54)
- Q&A | All (31:55 – 43:38)
- Close | Wendy Watson (43:39 – 44:28)
Review a summary of the April 13 discussion.
*To jump right to the self-care portion of the audiocast with Dr. Pavan Somusetty, go here: https://vimeo.com/536886235 Password: kpnw2021
Our next scheduled live audio broadcast is April 27.In the meantime, submit your questions to the COVID19NW@kp.org mailbox.
Reminder: Pediatric Patients Allowed 2 Visitors in Hospitals or Clinics
Pediatric patients are allowed 2 visitors – whether in our hospital or ambulatory facilities. If no parent meets screening criteria (i.e. both parents have COVID-19 symptoms or a positive diagnosis) then only 1 parent will be allowed to visit or accompany the child, and that parent must wear appropriate PPE during their entire time in the facility (hospital or clinic).
The current, temporary visitors policy is posted on the COVID-19 NW page and applies to hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and medical offices.
KPNW Superhero Award Winners
Individual Award: Rachel LeMay, Medical Assistant, Orchards Medical Office Primary Care
On one occasion, a member who was experiencing acute distress came to the clinic to see a behavioral health consultant but found their appointment was scheduled incorrectly. Although it wasn’t part of Rachel’s workload and it was nearing her lunch break, she answered a Microsoft Teams message to help this member. Read more.
Team Award: OB/GYN Social Work Team
Throughout the pandemic year, the OB/GYN social work team has consistently demonstrated their support of the emotional needs of our OB/GYN members. Many new parents struggle with depression and anxiety and often face barriers to get help. This is where our OB/GYN Social Work Team plays a critical role. Read more.
The KPNW Superhero Award celebrates this excellence by recognizing the creative and collaborative ways your teammates support our company, our members, and community. Help spread the word! Post the KPNW Superhero Award flier in break rooms, and wherever teams gather for meetings / huddles and nominate your hero today!
Vaccination Quick Facts
Here is a snapshot of the most current vaccination data as of April 14. For more information on vaccination rates by age and race/ethnic group and prime and booster doses by geographic service areas, visit the COVID-19 Quick Facts Dashboard.
NWP 365 Podcast Episode
Final Episode with Dr. Spindel | Dr. Dacones speaks with Dr. Spindel about COVID-19, symptoms, and the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine’s safety alert.