May 4, 2021
In today’s update, you will find important information, including:
- Resuming the J&J/Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine
- KP Leads, Works in Partnership in Vaccine Race Against Time
- When COVID-19 Lasts
- Quarantine Guidelines Revert to 14 Days
- Surgical Services Hold Extended
Resuming the J&J/Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine
Kaiser Permanente has resumed use of the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine, following the recommendations of the CDC, FDA, and state public health officials. Our infectious disease physicians and other experts have reviewed all available data related to the rare instances of blood clotting that caused the CDC and FDA to temporarily pause use of the vaccine, and our teams continue to follow the clinical guidance from the FDA and CDC to ensure the safe and effective use of the J&J vaccine.
Resumption of J&J vaccine use will support COVID-19 vaccine uptake, help reduce severe COVID-19 illnesses, and control the pandemic. We have and will continue to follow federal and state directives that women younger than 50 years old should be made aware of the rare but increased risk of this adverse event. Patients or their caregivers will be informed about the benefits and risks of the vaccine in their primary language.
This week, KPNW is resuming use of the J&J vaccine at Keizer Station, Orchards, and Salmon Creek medical offices. Clinical teams, Member Services, and the Contact Center team have revised patient information on hand. Information is also available on the InfoHub and COVID-19 NW page:
- J&J COVID-19 Vaccine Member FAQs
- J&J COVID-19 Vaccine Screening Questionnaire
- mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine Screening Questionnaire
- J&J COVID-19 Vaccine Clinician FAQs
As of last week, patients can specify a vaccine preference when scheduling a vaccination appointment. Only appointments matching their preference will be offered. Soon, kp.org visitors will be able to see the vaccine type available at each KP facility.
KPNW Leads, Works in Partnership in Vaccine Race Against Time
With COVID-19 cases on the rise in Oregon and many Oregonians still hesitant about taking the vaccine, the race against time to get our state vaccinated has never been more pressing. And many communities have had challenges in getting equitable access to the vaccine.
- To help address vaccine confidence in our communities of color, Kaiser Permanente, OHSU, Legacy Health, and Providence have created 2 one-minute social media public service announcements to encourage our communities to get vaccinated. Read more here.
- KP and Providence are bringing mobile vaccination clinics to underserved areas: Oregon Health Systems Partner in Vaccine Equity Efforts | Kaiser Permanente.
- Katie Sharff, MD, Infectious Disease physician, talks to multiple media outlets about the rise in COVID-19 cases among younger people:
When COVID-19 Lasts
If patients experience lasting effects from COVID-19, NWP primary care physicians can now refer them to the COVID-19 Late Sequela Clinic, a regional group of primary and specialty care experts who can help manage their care. NWP has developed a panel of orders to start evaluation of symptoms, and, if any symptoms persist after treatment of abnormalities, then physicians can make a referral. The new virtual clinic ensures all patients – including COVID patients – have a “roadmap to recovery” and that primary care physicians are fully supported as they continue to care for patients who’ve contracted the coronavirus. Look for a Quick Guide for COVID Referral coming soon to HealthConnect.
Quarantine Guidelines Revert to 14 Days
Quarantine guidelines have reverted to 14 days after last exposure to COVID-19, as long as the patient doesn’t develop any symptoms of COVID-19. And, 14 days after last exposure even if a patient has had a negative test result.
Travel Advisories
Please remember to travel safely. The CDC now advises that individuals who are fully vaccinated can safely travel domestically and need not test or quarantine before or after travel so long as they remain symptom-free. The CDC continues to encourage those who are unvaccinated to avoid non-essential travel. For those who must travel, the CDC recommends that unvaccinated travelers get tested 1-3 days before the trip and again 3-5 days after travel, and to self-quarantine for 7 days after travel if tested, and 10 days if not tested. Travelers are reminded to check state and local recommendations or requirements before traveling.
0regon: Travel Alert states people arriving in Oregon from other states or countries, including returning Oregon residents, should practice self-quarantine for 14 days after arrival. Self-quarantine does not apply to health care workers. We urge employees to read state travel advisories before traveling and to take personal responsibility should they decide to travel; however, the travel advisories are recommendations to citizens of these states and not public health orders. Travel Advisories do not prohibit staff from working in KP facilities.
Surgical Services Hold Extended
The scheduling hold for new non-urgent surgical and procedural cases at Sunnyside Medical Center and Westside Medical Center initiated April 20 to April 30 has been extended to May 17. We will reassess each Monday for the following weeks. This is due to high census (COVID and non-COVID) and staffing challenges at both hospitals. Exceptions and case submission processes were shared with schedulers and will be discussed at Surgical Command.
AHA certification required starting June 1
Starting in June, an AHA accredited course will be required for all Life Support Certifications (ACLS, BLS, etc.) for privileges at our two KPNW hospitals. Why? To obtain AHA certification, both cognitive and skills demonstration is needed. This is required by regulatory agencies such as The Joint Commission and DNV. All life certification courses through Cascade training are AHA accredited and immediately reimbursable by KPNW. Starting June 1, if your renewal is not completed through an AHA accredited program, you will be asked to repeat the course that is AHA accredited. All life certification renewals get reminders at 90 days, 60 days, 30 days, and 2 weeks before expiration. They must be completed by the end of the expiration month.
KPNW COVID-19 Trends
From KPNW researchers, scientists, and physicians, effective April 30. Based on review of internal trends and external considerations our findings are:
- Surge is happening: OR/WA outbreak is continuing; infection rate is decreasing (R0=1.12).
- The surge is still increasing, but the rate of growth may be decreasing (R. Short-term increases in cases and hospitalizations continue to be expected.
- Current modeling forecasts suggest increasing impact on hospital census in the mid-May to mid-June time frame. OHSU statewide forecasts show range of 450 – 900 at peak.
- Internal hospital census (ADC) weekly average was up 4% from last week to this week (28 to 29). Census was 32 on Apr 29. ADC forecast for this week is 36 by May 6 (w. error).
- Internal ICU census weekly average was up 28% from last week to this week (4.6 to 5.9). Internal ICU had 5 patients on Apr 29. ICU patients were 16% of COVID+ internal hospital census.
- KPNW COVID+ weekly average of daily cases up 14% from last week to this week (90 to 102). The most recent daily case count was 139 on Apr 29. Case count forecast is 139 by May 6 (w. error).
Weekly Testing Turnaround Times
The average routine COVID-19 testing turnaround time (TAT) for the week of April 26 to May 2 is 25 hours. Member communications, including kp.org and call center scripts, inform members that TAT is usually within 24-48 hours so they can plan accordingly for travel.
Vaccination Quick Facts
Here is a snapshot of the most current vaccination data as of May 3. Visit the newly enhanced COVID-19 Quick Facts Dashboard for up-to-date, key data on the virus and vaccines.
Words from Our Members
“Kaiser has adjusted well during COVID-19 to continue to provide excellent service to their patients.”
“My COVID-19 vaccination at the Clackamas Fair Grounds was quick, well organized, and friendly.”