Author: Kaiser Permanente NW

June 3, 2021

In today’s update, you will find important information, including:

• Searching for Truth and Answers: Why I Got the Vaccine
• Vaccination Goal: 70% of Members by July 4
• Join Tuesday’s Live Audio Broadcast
• J&J Vaccine at Oregon Convention Center
• Battle Ground Latest Medical Office Building to Reopen
• COVID-19 Child Care Grants and Paid Leave Coming to End
• KPNW Superhero Award Winner: Katherine Chou Noble

Searching for Truth and Answers: Why I Got the Vaccine

As a medical assistant in the Pulmonology department at Sunnyside Medical Center, Sandy Mata knew the wisdom of making health decisions based on scientific facts from trusted sources, as opposed to believing the “noise” on the internet.

Still, she waffled a bit regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, until she saw several doctors with whom she works getting vaccinated. “If my pulmonologists, obstetricians, and family practice doctors think it’s OK, then I’m comfortable that it’s the right decision for me, too,” Mata said. “The vaccines are safe, effective, life-saving, and free.” Read her story here.

Vaccination Goal: 70% of Members by July 4 | Vaccination Quick Facts

Kaiser Permanente has been active in vaccinating our members and the communities we serve for these past six months. Now is the time to push to achieve the goal of having 70% of Americans vaccinated by July 4, 2021. KP’s robust acceleration plan starts tomorrow and includes grants to community-based organizations, the ImmUNITY Sweepstakes eligible to anyone vaccinated by KP, and a social media campaign to engage 18 to 30-year-olds. Details about the sweepstakes will be posted on KP.org on Friday. Tune into Tuesday’s audio broadcast to hear what’s happening in the Northwest to reach our goal—70% of KPNW members vaccinated by July 4.

Here is a snapshot of the most current vaccination data as of June 2. Visit the COVID-19 Quick Facts Dashboard for up-to-date, key data on the virus and vaccines.

Join Tuesday’s Live Audio Broadcast

Plan on joining the next LIVE audio broadcast on Tuesday, June 8, starting at 12:10 p.m. We’ll be sharing the latest COVID-19 community and clinical vaccine updates, as well as answers to your most frequently asked questions.

https://sparkstreetdigital.zoom.us/j/91660184663 (Audio only)

Dial In:  +1 669 900 9128  

Webinar ID: 916 6018 4663. If you’re unable to join, a recording will be provided on Wednesday.

Submit your questions or suggestions for future audio broadcast topics.

J&J Vaccine at Oregon Convention Center

Until it closes June 19, the All4Oregon Mass COVID-19 Vaccination Site is offering anyone age 18 or older the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The Oregon Convention Center site also offers second, or booster, doses of the Pfizer vaccine to anyone 12 and older.

Battle Ground Latest Medical Office Building to Reopen

In KPNW, we continue to align our care delivery model with the current state of COVID-19 and vaccinations in the community. The complete list of services at open buildings is here and in the attached document. Latest changes:

• Battle Ground (BTL) reopens on Monday, June 7.
• Care Essentials Pearl is being remodeled and will open in early fall with expanded space.
• West Salem MOB is currently open for Audiology and scheduled to reopen for Primary Care in September.

As previously communicated, we are ending the leases on 4 MOBs to consolidate our services in KP buildings. Those 4 MOBs are One Town Center, Lake Road (except for Davita hemodialysis services), Hillsboro, and Murrayhill.

COVID-19 Child Care Grants and Paid Leave Coming to End

Now that we have moved into what is hopefully the end of this pandemic, the child care grant and paid leave benefits will expire on June 5, 2021, as planned and previously communicated. Please see HRconnect for the latest information on these benefits, including eligibility and how to file any remaining claims.

We are thankful we could provide these benefits to our front-line staff for 14 months during an incredibly challenging time. And we are proud to have done this in partnership with our labor unions.

KPNW Superhero Award Winner

Katherine Chou Noble, Physical Therapist Home Health, Montgomery Park

While on light duty, Katherine has helped to design and implement the homebound vaccination program. Her passion for ensuring all members have access to the COVID-19 vaccine has made the homebound program a success. 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!   

June 1, 2021

In today’s update, you will find important information, including:

• Now Available: Digital, Printable COVID-19 Vaccine Cards
• Patients No Longer Required to Get Dose 2 from Dose 1 Provider
• KPNW COVID-19 Trends
• Enhancing Your Well-Being

Now Available: Digital, Printable COVID-19 Vaccine Cards

When patients request copies of their COVID-19 vaccine card, there are now 3 easy ways for them to get a COVID-19 vaccine record.  You can generate one on-demand – right from HealthConnect. Use .COVIDVACCINECARD to add it to the After-Visit Summary or use COVID VACCINE CARD LTR NW to generate a letter, which is printable from kp.org. Just make sure COVID-19 vaccines are reconciled so they appear on the digital card. To reconcile outside vaccines, see the article on Reconciling Outside Immunizations in What’s New in HealthConnect. Members can also print from home by signing on to kp.org, clicking “medical record,” “immunizations,” then “Print a COVID-19 vaccination record card.”

Patients No Longer Required to Get Dose 2 from Dose 1 Provider

As of Friday, May 28, we may give a COVID-19 booster (2nd dose) shot to anyone who asks to appoint with us. Patients who need COVID-19 booster shots had previously been asked to return to the provider who gave them their prime (1st dose) shot. We have made this change because we have sufficient supply.

KPNW COVID-19 Trends

From KPNW researchers, scientists, and physicians, effective May 28. Based on review of internal trends and external considerations our findings are:

• OR/WA has emerged from the latest surge. After plateauing for several weeks, statewide hospital census has followed the trend in cases and has dropped over the past week; KPNW census has continued to plateau.
• Reff (effective reproduction number) has continued to decrease, suggesting lower cases and census moving forward.​
• The P1 variant has emerged and is starting to spread in Oregon, particularly among unvaccinated individuals.
• Increased variant spread and rapid reopening may lead to a slower decline in new cases than would otherwise be expected, but at this point, further surges are unlikely due to continued increases in vaccination. ​
• Internal hospital census (ADC) weekly average was down 11% from last week to this week (28.0 to 25.0). Census was 26 on May 27. ADC forecast for this week is 25 by June 3 (w. error). ​
• Internal ICU census weekly average was flat from last week to this week (7.7 to 7.7). Internal ICU had 8 patients on May 27.  ICU patients were 31% of COVID+ internal hospital census on May 27.​
• KPNW COVID+ weekly average of daily cases was down 39% from last week to this week (66 to 41). Case count forecast is 13 by June 3 (w. error).​

Vaccination Quick Facts

Here is a snapshot of the most current vaccination data as of May 28. Visit the newly enhanced COVID-19 Quick Facts Dashboard for up-to-date, key data on the virus and vaccines. (Note: Our vaccination reporting has expanded to include children ages 12-15. With this change, you’ll notice that overall member vaccination rates decreased slightly from recent reporting. This is because we increased the eligible population by including this age group.)

Enhancing Your Well-Being

Consider taking our Mental Health Training for employees and managers. It provides information and tools for maintaining your own mental health and recognizing and supporting others who might be struggling. For added support, join KP’s Mental Health Advocate Network, which enables employees to help create a supportive workplace environment. Advocates have access to tools, resources, and activities they can share with their teams.

Inspire Well-being – Enter the Weekly Drawing

Healthy Workforce wants to recognize employees who are doing a great job of improving mental health and well-being for themselves or inspiring their co-workers. Enter into a weekly drawing. Winners will be selected weekly through the month of May to receive a gift that promotes self-care. Below is one of the winning entries:

Natalie Rasmussen, Mental Health Advice RN

“I am making certain I am providing self-care by doing an activity each day that brings me joy. I am making sure to do the things we all know to do, like eat nutritious foods, get enough sleep and exercise but also planning ahead (being proactive in scheduling a date) to participate in mood-boosting activities such as meeting a friend for a walk at a park. I have been checking in with friends regularly to be a support to them during the pandemic. Being a RN in Mental Health has taught me that I need to practice good self-care so that I can take care of others.”

KP News: 5 Things We Know About the COVID-19 Vaccine 

Vaccines are a critical part of slowing, and eventually stopping, the spread of COVID-19. With news about the vaccines changing rapidly, Kaiser Permanente is committed to providing members and the communities we serve with information as it’s available. Read the story published May 18 on About KP.

KPNW in the News: Easing the Post-Pandemic Transition for Kids

As kids return to school, sports, summer camps, and other routines after a year of isolation, Dr. Brandon Duft, a child psychiatrist and head of Kaiser Permanente Northwest’s Child and Adolescent Psychiatry,  explains what parents should be aware of and shares steps they can take to help smooth the transition. A story ran in the May 24 issue of Portland Monthly and is posted here on My KP.  https://mykp.kp.org/en/news/northwest/easing-the-post-pandemic-transition-for-kids.html

Words from Our Members

“This was the first time I met Dr. Mahmood. He was easy to talk with, understood my concerns regarding my aging body, and he made me very comfortable in determining how I should care for my ankle. Thank you all for being there for us in these strange COVID times!”

May 27, 2021

In today’s update, you will find important information, including:

• Removing Barriers to Vaccination in Oregon: A Message from Jeff
• Removing Barriers to Vaccination in Oregon: Targeted Outreach
• COVID-19 Vaccine Updates: KPNW Audio Broadcast
• Last Chance to Get a Vaccine at OCC – and Maybe Win $1 Million
• Your Mental Health: Picking Up the Pieces After COVID-19

Removing Barriers to Vaccination in Oregon

A Message from Jeff Collins, President, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Hospitals of the Northwest

As our region races to vaccinate our communities, we know that equitable distribution is key to protecting our most vulnerable populations, which have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Recent data from the Oregon Health Authority shows that 51% of Oregonians have been vaccinated. In our region, 60% of our Northwest members age 12 and older have received the vaccine. However, the vaccination rate in Oregon for Black, Latinx, and American Indian and Alaska Native residents is hovering just above 30%. I’m proud to say that over the past several months, Kaiser Permanente has led an organized, multipronged effort to instill confidence in our communities. Read more here.

Targeted Outreach to Black and Latino Populations in Portland

To make the path to vaccination easier, Kaiser Permanente reached out to members of vulnerable populations and invited them to attend recent vaccine events at medical offices in their neighborhood.

Two such culturally focused vaccine events for Latino Kaiser Permanente members were held recently at the Kaiser Permanente Rockwood and Sunset medical offices. Read more here.

COVID-19 Vaccine Updates: KPNW Audio Broadcast

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:

• Click here to listen to the audio recording (password: kpnw2021).
• Review the summary here.

Topics discussed on May 25:

• Welcome and Community Update | Dr. Mary Giswold (00:00 – 02:57)
• KP Vaccine Update | Dr. Eric Warshaw (2:58 – 12:57)
• Clinical Vaccine Update | Dr. Katie Sharff (12:58 – 25:58)
• Mental Health | Dr. Han Liang (25:59 – 37:27)
• Close | Wendy Watson (37:28 – 45:17)

Enjoy this beautiful and hopeful message | Don’t Give Up – featuring Mia Stegner

Last Chance to Get a Vaccine at OCC – and Maybe Win $1 Million

All Oregonians age 12 and older are now eligible to make an appointment or walk in at the Oregon Convention Center. But today, May 27 is the last day to get your first dose at this location! And June 1 to 19 the Pfizer second dose will be available at OCC. To make an appointment, go to All4Oregon.org.

And, in case you missed it: Oregon Gov. Kate Brown has announced lottery prizes ranging from $10,000 to $1 million for Oregonians vaccinated against COVID-19 – a strategy meant to address the dramatically decreasing numbers of residents inoculated each day. Read more here.

Your Mental Health: Picking Up the Pieces After COVID-19

The mental health aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic is different for everyone. Whether you lost a loved one, were a front-line health care worker, or have been isolated with chronic stress for over a year, the psychological impact can be hard to overcome. 

Leah Whitworth, a licensed marriage and family therapist and behavioral health manager of Adult Psychiatry at the Kaiser Permanente Fresno Medical Center, explains the different forms of post trauma people may be experiencing now and ways to transition safely and smoothly into an opening world. Read more here and get advice on how to navigate life after the mentally grueling pandemic.

Vaccination Quick Facts

Here is a snapshot of the most current vaccination data as of May 12. Visit the newly enhanced COVID-19 Quick Facts Dashboard for up-to-date, key data on the virus and vaccines. (NOTE: We can now track targeted efforts underway to improve vaccination rates within certain ethnic/racial groups to see if they are effective. A new graph in the demographic view shows race/ethnic groups and compares their vaccination rates to those of whites over time. Select a specific age group or all ages combined. The new graph reveals some promising results!)

KPNW Superhero Award Winners

Jennifer Robbins, Team Lead with Hospice and Palliative Care, Montgomery Park

Jennifer Robbins is a superhero because not only does she put our patients first, she also provides support and guidance for all who work in Hospice. She places a priority on ensuring the patient and family are heard and honored. Read more.

Kaiser Permanente North Lancaster (NLR) Pacific Islander Vaccination Team

In March, the NLR Pacific Islander vaccination team, in partnership with the Oregon Pacific Islander Coalition (OPIC) and its partner organizations, held a culturally targeted, one-day clinic that administered 160 doses of COVID-19 vaccine.  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!

May 25, 2021

In today’s update, you will find important information, including:

• A Return to Normalcy and Safety: Why I Got the Vaccine
• Join Today’s Live Audio Broadcast
• Changes in Symptom Screening, Greeter Program Start May 27
• Now Available: Digital, Printable COVID-19 Vaccine Cards
• Avoiding COVID-19 Vaccine Errors
• Homebound Vaccination Program Reaches Goal, Closes Soon
• Same Day/Next Day Pharmacy Delivery Service

A Return to Normalcy and Safety: Why I Got the Vaccine

The opportunity to protect his multigenerational family and colleagues was at the forefront of Terry Dang’s decision to get vaccinated.

“I felt it was my responsibility to take every precaution to protect my family,” Terry said. “I would not be able to live with myself if something were to happen to them, knowing that I had an opportunity to prevent them from getting sick or dying.” Read more here.

Join Today’s Live Audio Broadcast

Tune in today for our LIVE audio broadcast, starting at 12:10 p.m. Topics on the agenda include:

• Welcome & Community Update | Dr. Mary Giswold
• KP Vaccine Update | Dr. Eric Warshaw
• Clinical Vaccine Update | Dr. Katie Sharff
• Mental Health |Dr. Han Liang
• Closing Comments | Wendy Watson

https://sparkstreetdigital.zoom.us/j/91660184663 (Audio only)

Dial In:  +1 669 900 9128   Webinar ID: 916 6018 4663

Or iPhone one-tap: +16699009128,,91660184663#

Changes in Symptom Screening, Greeter Program Start May 27

CDC and state health department guidance continues to evolve as our country recovers from the pandemic. Starting May 27, we are implementing the following changes at all medical and dental offices:   

• Active temperature checks will no longer be taken at medical and dental office entrances for patients and visitors.
  • Patients will be encouraged to take their temperature at home prior to coming in for visits via kp.org and text message reminders.
  • Active temperature checks will continue to be taken at entrances to hospitals and ambulatory surgical center locations as this remains a requirement by CMS.
• Symptom screening for patients and visitors at all member-facing entrances will be done via self-report
  • New signage will be delivered to all KPNW medical and dental offices for installation at member-facing entrances this week.
  • At hospitals and ambulatory surgical center locations, registration representatives or greeters will continue to ask symptom screening questions at member-facing entrances.
• All patients and visitors, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status, must continue to wear a mask at all times in all KP facilities.
  • A new “remember your mask” campaign is rolling out, starting this week. Door decals, exam room posters, staff buttons, and hand sanitizer signage inserts will follow.
  • Masks will be available for self-service at cover-your-cough stations.
• The greeter program will conclude at medical offices this week. (The greeter program ended earlier at dental offices.) Greeters/registration staff/screeners will continue to provide active screening at hospitals and ASC locations.
• Temporary visitors’ restrictions put in place during COVID-19 outbreak will be lifted at medical and dental offices. Members will be encouraged to be accompanied only by people who are essential for support. The policy posted in the KP Policy Library will be revised and posted later this week.

Now Available: Digital, Printable COVID-19 Vaccine Cards

When patients request copies of their COVID-19 vaccine card, you can generate one on-demand – right from HealthConnect. Use .COVIDVACCINECARD to add it to the After-Visit Summary or use COVID VACCINE CARD LTR NW to generate a letter, which is printable from kp.org. Just make sure Covid-19 vaccines are reconciled so they appear on the digital card.

To reconcile outside vaccines, see the article on Reconciling Outside Immunizations in What’s New in HealthConnect.

Avoiding COVID-19 Vaccine Errors

Our goal is to administer the COVID-19 vaccine safely to every patient. While administration errors are rare, it’s important to know what to do if one occurs. Examples of errors include events such as wrong dose of vaccine, wrong brand of vaccine, or wrong age of vaccine recipient.

If an error occurs, review it, document both a SERS and VAERS, and provide information to the patient or guardian on the next steps based on CDC guidance. Please review this practice resource on Avoiding or Remediating COVID-19 Vaccine Errors.

Member Questions & Answers – COVID-19 Vaccine Topic

Member Q&A documents are continually updated and posted on the COVID-19 Northwest resource page. Today’s update includes a topic you may be hearing about in the news:

(#40) Q: I heard something about heart problems in young people after COVID-19 vaccination. Is it safe for young people to get vaccinated? A: Kaiser Permanente is aware of CDC monitoring for rare occurrences of myocarditis/pericarditis after COVID-19 vaccination. Along with the CDC, we continue to recommend COVID-19 vaccination for people 12 years and older. Click here to read more and view the latest vaccine Q&A document.

Homebound Vaccination Program Reaches Goal, Closes Soon

The homebound vaccination program closed to requests Monday in Washington and will close June 4 in Oregon. The closure is due to success! KP Northwest’s Continuum of Care team has contacted 1,421 KP patients by phone in 2021 and provided 800 in-home vaccinations in Oregon and Southwest Washington. These results meet the program goal of contacting all KP homebound patients to offer COVID vaccines.

If you have a patient who could benefit from COVID-19 vaccination at home, please message P HOMEBOUND VACCINE REQUEST MSG POOL (18084) by June 4. With questions, contact Anna Riedel at anna.l.riedel@kp.org.

Same Day/Next Day Pharmacy Delivery Service

We are very excited to inform you that our Same Day/Next Day delivery service is now available at all KP pharmacy locations. Please see information below to help you answer members questions regarding this service.

What are the benefits of Same Day and Next Day Deliveries?

Member saves time. No driving to the pharmacy. (Always promote mail order as first option.)

What are the requirements?

Prescription must be new or have a refill available at the time of order. For same day deliveries, address must be within 10 miles of one of our pharmacy locations. Next day deliveries are available to most areas in Washington and Oregon. A valid credit card, including FSA cards, must be used for payment.

What medications are excluded from Same Day and Next Day Deliveries?

Compounded medications and over the counter (OTC) products.

Is there a charge for the service?

Members will be charged their normal prescription copays, plus a delivery fee; mail order copays do not apply. This is not a part of (or covered by) any benefit plans. It is an optional service for an additional fee. COVID suspected or positive members will not be charged a delivery fee. Continue using the current process for COVID orders. Patient must contact pharmacy to confirm address.

KPNW COVID-19 Trends

From KPNW researchers, scientists, and physicians, effective May 24. Based on review of internal trends and external considerations our findings are:

• OR/WA is slowly emerging from the latest surge; based on reported cases infection rate is now below the 1.0 threshold and dropping (R0=0.86), but census remains stubbornly consistent to date. 
• New cases have been dropping; hospital census still appears to be on a plateau with some short-term variability but is likely to begin a slow decline in the near term. ​​
• ​Some observations suggest that individuals may be currently less likely to be tested when symptomatic, leading to dropping reported cases, but consistent hospitalizations.
• The situation is likely to improve over the medium- to long-term, although the descent from the surge will be gradual through the summer to a lower, but not zero, level of disease.
• Internal hospital census (ADC) weekly average was up 3% from last week to this week (25.9 to 26.7). Census was 25 on May 23. ADC forecast for this week is 29 by May 27 (w. error).
• Internal ICU census weekly average was up 13% from last week to this week (6.4 to 7.3). Internal ICU had 7 patients on May 23. ICU patients were 28% of COVID+ internal hospital census on May 23.
• KPNW COVID+ weekly average of daily cases was down 20% from last week to this week (70 to 56). Case count forecast is 48 by May 27 (w. error).

Vaccination Quick Facts

Here is a snapshot of the most current vaccination data as of May 10. Visit the newly enhanced COVID-19 Quick Facts Dashboard for up-to-date, key data on the virus and vaccines. (NOTE: We can now track targeted efforts underway to improve vaccination rates within certain ethnic/racial groups to see if they are effective. A new graph in the demographic view shows race/ethnic groups and compares their vaccination rates to those of whites over time. Select a specific age group or all ages combined. The new graph reveals some promising results!)

Weekly Testing Turnaround Times

The average routine COVID-19 testing turnaround time (TAT) for the week of May 18 to May 23 is 18 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.

Words from Our Members

“I really like Kaiser Permanente. I’ve been using Kaiser since I came to the United States almost ten years ago. I really want to thank everyone who works at Kaiser and who always supports me and provides advice for my health. I really want to thank all the doctors and nurses who helped me when I had a really hard time with COVID-19. I will recommend Kaiser to everyone because it is very good.”

May 20, 2021

In today’s update, you will find important information, including:

• Join Tuesday’s Live Audio Broadcast
• Marking a Milestone Moment
• Vaccination Quick Facts
• KPNW Superhero Award Winners
• Inspire Well-Being – Enter the Weekly Drawing

Join Tuesday’s Live Audio Broadcast

Plan on joining the next LIVE audio broadcast on Tuesday, May 25, starting at 12:10 p.m. We’ll be sharing the latest COVID-19 community and clinical vaccine updates, as well as answers to your most frequently asked questions.

https://sparkstreetdigital.zoom.us/j/91660184663 (Audio only) Dial In:  +1 669 900 9128  

Webinar ID: 916 6018 4663. If you’re unable to join, a recording will be provided on Wednesday.

Submit your questions or suggestions for future audio broadcast topics.

Marking a Milestone Moment

Employees, clinicians, and volunteers hit the 500,000-vaccination mark on Wednesday at the All4Oregon COVID-19 Mass Vaccination Site at the Oregon Convention Center. Oregon Gov. Kate Brown visited the site and praised the effort: “The best thing we can all do to get back to a sense of normalcy is to get vaccinated, and Oregon has done an extraordinary job, thanks in part to vaccination sites like All4Oregon at the Convention Center. This collaboration truly represents the Oregon way – coming together in the best interests of Oregonians.”

Together, along with the other health systems in the area, we made history. Thank you! Here is how local media covered this milestone:

KPTV: All4Oregon surpasses 500K vaccinations at Oregon Convention Center site | Local News | kptv.com

KATU: All4Oregon site expected to surpass 500K COVID-19 vaccinations | KATU

Vaccination Quick Facts

Here is a snapshot of the most current vaccination data as of May 19. Visit the newly enhanced COVID-19 Quick Facts Dashboard for up-to-date, key data on the virus and vaccines. (Note: Our vaccination reporting has expanded to include children ages 12-15. With this change, you’ll notice that overall member vaccination rates decreased slightly from recent reporting. This is because we increased the eligible population by including this age group.)

KPNW Superhero Award Winners

Individual Award: Kimberly Hybel, Design Manager, National Facilities Services NW

Kim was instrumental in designing the Oregon Convention Center mass vaccination site. Her ability to understand the requirements and then take the necessary actions to implement those plans was a key to successfully establishing the site. 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!

Inspire Well-being – Enter the Weekly Drawing

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Healthy Workforce wants to recognize employees who are doing a great job of improving mental health and well-being for themselves or inspiring their co-workers. Enter into a weekly drawing. Winners will be selected weekly through the month of May to receive a gift that promotes self-care. Below is one of the winning entries:

Jennifer Navarro, Registration/WSM-SKY             “I get up each morning and jog either a mile or two along with a cool down. On my lunch break at work, I have been going to the gym doing strength training, and some cardio with my co-worker. I find working out – whether it be yoga, walking, jogging, meditation – helps quite a bit with calming the mind and making it a little easier to get through the day. I’m trying to use the CALM app more … I reach out to ones who have similar struggles as I do and check in on them to keep encouraging them to keep on their walking and drinking of water. I have found taking it one day at a time is a lot easier than planning a whole week out, for some that can be overwhelming. Or you feel like you failed since you didn’t do the whole week of what you planned. Life is never predicable, anything can happen, and I found the one thing you can control is how you take care of yourself. The littlest changes make the biggest difference.”   

May 18, 2021

In today’s update, you will find important information, including:

• Updated FAQs to Answer Members’ COVID-19 Vaccine Questions
• Reminder: Masking Guidance and Greeter Script
• No Need to Space Out COVID-19 Vaccine with Other Vaccines
• KPNW COVID-19 Trends
• Inspire Wellbeing – Enter the Weekly Drawing

Updated FAQs to Answer Members’ COVID-19 Vaccine Questions

Last week, KPNW began administering the Pfizer vaccine to children 12 and older – and members had questions. We’ve updated our member FAQs to help you answer those questions about the vaccine and other COVID-19 concerns. Find the new version on our COVID-19 Resources NW page under Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Member FAQs.

Reminder: Masking Guidance and Greeter Script

On Thursday, May 13, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new information on masking for fully vaccinated people. This new guidance will continue to be looked at by the CDC and state health departments, and may change based on the level of community spread of the coronavirus, the number of fully vaccinated people, and further study of COVID-19 vaccines. However, these recommendations do not apply to health care settings. Masks are still required in all Kaiser Permanente facilities, including nonclinical offices. For more information, read the joint leadership message sent Friday from Mary Giswold, MD, Stella Dantas, MD, and Wendy Watson.

Greeters are sharing this guidance: “Welcome in! For your safety and the safety of others, state health departments are continuing to require anyone over the age of 2 to wear a face mask whenever you are in one of our buildings. If you do not have one with you, I am happy to provide one for you. Thank you.”

No Need to Space Out COVID-19 Vaccine with Other Vaccines

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has recommended that COVID-19 and other vaccines may now be administered without regard to timing, across all authorized age groups. This includes simultaneous administration of COVID-19 and other vaccines on the same day, as well as coadministration within 14 days.

What do you need to know?

• COVID-19 vaccine may be administered on the same day or at any time interval.
• This is especially important when other vaccines are needed for clinical reasons such as post-exposure vaccination, high-risk indication, travel-related immunization, time-dependent immunizations, or patients overdue for routine vaccines.
• Do NOT turn away any patients for vaccination due to timing of COVID-19 vaccination.
• All affected documents, forms, and patient handouts are being updated to reflect this new recommendation.

KPNW COVID-19 Trends

From KPNW researchers, scientists, and physicians, effective May 17. Based on review of internal trends and external considerations our findings are:

• OR/WA is in the process of peaking; infection rate is now below the 1.0 threshold and dropping (R0=0.93). 
• New cases have been dropping; hospital census appears to be peaking with some short-term variability but is likely to begin dropping in the near term. ​​
• Internal hospital census (ADC) weekly average was down 11% from last week to this week (27 to 24). Census was 26 on May 16. ADC forecast is at this level or lower by May 23 (w. error).
• Internal ICU census weekly average was up slightly (6%) from last week to this week (4.4 to 4.7). Internal ICU had 7 patients on May 16. ICU patients were 27% of COVID+ internal hospital census on May 16.
• KPNW COVID+ weekly average of daily cases was down 28% from last week to this week (86 to 69). Case counts are forecast to drop by May 23 (w. error).

Weekly Testing Turnaround Times

The average routine COVID-19 testing turnaround time (TAT) for the week of May 10 to May 16 is 20 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 17. Visit the newly enhanced COVID-19 Quick Facts Dashboard for up-to-date, key data on the virus and vaccines.

Inspire Wellbeing – Enter the Weekly Drawing

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Healthy Workforce wants to recognize employees who are doing a great job of improving mental health and well-being for themselves or inspiring their co-workers. Enter into a weekly drawing. Winners will be selected weekly through the month of May to receive a gift that promotes self-care.

Words from Our Members

“Well, COVID-19 Vaccine Time! I have never been to this location but after making an appointment on KP.org, I went to get my shot and it was the most harmless, easy, and satisfying an experience I could have had in regard to getting a shot. The facility is brand new, the ability to check in was quick and the doctor administering the vaccine was a real professional. It was a humbling experience all together and this was a great place to get vaccinated. Stay safe, stay healthy and stay masked up! We are not out of the woods yet.”

May 13, 2021

In today’s update, you will find important information, including:

• COVID-19 Vaccine Update: KPNW Audio Broadcast
• Pediatric Vaccinations Start Today
• Real Talk about the COVID-19 Vaccines
• Helping Vaccinate Salem’s Pacific Islander Community
• Celebrate National Women’s Health Week

COVID-19 Vaccine Updates: KPNW Audio Broadcast

Thank you to everyone who joined yesterday’s KPNW Command Center COVID-19 audio broadcast. If you missed it, or want to review and discuss key topics with your team: Click here to listen to the audio recording (password: kpnw2021). Review the summary here.

Topics discussed on May 11 – Vaccine Update:

• Welcome and Community Update | Wendy Watson (00:00 – 03:51)
  • Our three on-going goals: eliminate vaccination rate disparities; achieve an 80 percent vaccination rate for BIPOC, AAPI and immigrant members; and vaccinate as many members as possible.
• Clinical Vaccine Update | Dr. Katie Sharff (3:52 – 16:07)
  • COVID variants
  • Vaccines administered outside of the U.S.
  • Interchangeability of products
• KP Vaccine Update | Michelle Teeples (16:08 – 30:22)
  • Pediatric vaccinations
  • Vaccine hesitancy—what we’re doing to address it
  • Vaccine equity—summary of activities since last audiocast (April 27)
  • All4Oregon mass vaccination site at OCC
• Q & A | All (30:23 – 42:00)
• Close | Dr. Mary Giswold (42:01 – 44:24)

Our next scheduled live audio broadcast is May 25. In the meantime, submit your questions to the COVID19NW@kp.org mailbox.

Pediatric Vaccinations Start Today

KPNW will begin administering the Pfizer vaccine to children ages 12 to 17 years old today. Following are questions and answers to help guide patients and members:

1. Q: What do I need to bring to a vaccine appointment for my child?
   A: In Oregon, children 12 to 14 years old must be accompanied by either a parent, guardian, or someone designated by the parent and have a signed consent form for vaccination. In Washington State, the same is true for children 12 to 17 years old.
   
2. Q: Are there walk-in appointments available for children ages 12-17?
   A: Yes. In Oregon, children 12 to 17 years old can walk-in to the All4Oregon mass vaccination site at the Oregon Convention Center. Vaccination appointments at all KPNW medical offices are currently by appointment only.

Interim member FAQs are attached. An update from KP National is expected later today and will be posted here on the COVID-19 Northwest page. You can also listen to the May 11 Vaccine Audio Broadcast recording or review the summary to learn more.

Real Talk About the COVID-19 Vaccines

Listen to real questions from people about their hesitancies around getting a COVID-19 vaccination. In this video, Kaiser Permanente physicians answer questions regarding vaccine safety, efficacy, side effects, and more – information you can use to help answer questions from members and patients. Coming soon: A version with Spanish subtitles, as well as short cuts of individual questions and answers for use on social media.

Helping Vaccinate Salem’s Pacific Islander Community

Pacific Islanders have the highest rate of COVID-19 infection among any racial or ethnic group in Oregon. Community health worker Kapiolani Micky – who works with KP through nonprofit Impact NW – has a mission to boost awareness and vaccines in her community. Read her story here.

Vaccination Quick Facts

Here is a snapshot of the most current vaccination data as of May 12. Visit the newly enhanced COVID-19 Quick Facts Dashboard for up-to-date, key data on the virus and vaccines.

Oregon Surpasses 2 Million Vaccinated

Oregon reached another milestone in the efforts to vaccinate Oregonians — more than 2 million people have received at least 1 dose of a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine. “Based on our current trends, Oregon is on track to meet our goal of vaccinating 70% of adults by mid- to late-June,” said Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Director Patrick Allen. “Thanks to all of our partners for helping us stay ahead of a virus that is circulating in our communities.”

Meanwhile, in Washington, as of May 10 more than 6,046,656 doses of vaccine have been given. Most people are choosing to get vaccinated. More than 57% of people in Washington eligible for the vaccine have received at least 1 dose and nearly 44% of people 16 and older are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

KPNW Superhero Award Winners

Individual Award: Leslie Sorweide, MD, Family Physician, Keizer Station Medical Office Building

Dr. Sorweide was one of the first volunteers to administer COVID-19 vaccines in Salem, prior to the mass vaccination efforts. Read more.

Team Award: Appointing Technology Team

The Appointing Technology Team has worked many evenings, weekends, and holidays with limited information, and technology that seems to change daily to get our members and non-members into clinics for vaccinations as allocated supplies become available. 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!

Celebrate National Women’s Health Week, May 9-15

Join the WE@KPNW Business Resource Group members and supporters in celebrating National Women’s Health Week 2021. Take care of your mental health – stay connected with family and friends, connect with your community or faith-based organizations, make time to unwind and focus on activities you enjoy, and pay attention to changes in your mood. If you or anyone you know is experiencing changes in thinking, mood, behavior, and/or thoughts of self-harm, reach out for help.

Here are few other resources to manage stress:

• Employee Assistance Program: kp.org/eap
• National Equity, Inclusion, & Diversity: https://equityinclusionanddiversity.kaiserpermanente.org/
• Self-Care:https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/
• App:Calm is the #1 for mediation and sleep app – Kaiser Permanente members can access all features at no cost. https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/mental-health/tools-resources/digital
• Sleeping Better: https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/mental-health/tools-resources/insomnia
• Stress Management: https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/mental-health/tools-resources/stress-management

May 11, 2021

In today’s update, you will find important information, including:

• A Note from Jeff: Thank You, Nurses, for the Crucial Role You Play
• Join Today’s Live Audio Broadcast
• All4Oregon Update: OCC Mass Vaccination Site to Wrap Up June 19
• Instructions for Testing and Quarantine After Travel
• Celebrating the 1-Year Anniversary of Chase Gardens in Eugene
• Management of Anaphylaxis After COVID-19 Vaccination
• KPNW COVID-19 Trends

A Note from Jeff: Thank You, Nurses, for the Crucial Role You Play

The past year and a half has been extraordinary for our nurses. In addition to all they do for our members, they have played a central role during the ongoing pandemic. This year alone, they have cared for more than 1,395 COVID-positive patients in our Northwest hospitals and medical offices.

Their tireless efforts, working alongside physicians and other health care colleagues, have made it possible for our patients — like Hector Calderon, Oregon’s first COVID-positive patient — to return home to families, friends, and jobs. And their flexibility in accommodating our patients no matter where they were needed, be it through redeployment or working with new teams in new environments, has been essential during this ever-changing time.

They truly make a difference … see more for yourself here.

Join Today’s Live Audio Broadcast

Tune in today for our LIVE audio broadcast, starting at 12:10 p.m. Topics on the agenda include:

• Welcome and Community Update | Wendy Watson
• Clinical Vaccine Update | Katie Sharff, MD
• KP Vaccination Update | Michelle Teeples
• Q&A | All
• Close | Mary Giswold, MD

https://sparkstreetdigital.zoom.us/j/91660184663 (Audio only)

Dial In:  +1 669 900 9128   Webinar ID: 916 6018 4663

Or iPhone one-tap: +16699009128,,91660184663#

All4Oregon Update: OCC Mass Vaccination Site to Wrap Up June 19

Since opening the All4Oregon Mass Vaccination Site at the Oregon Convention Center on January 20, we’ve had the honor of playing an instrumental role in vaccinating our community. As of Friday, nearly 465,000 vaccinations have been administered at the OCC.

From the start, All4Oregon has been committed to staying open as long as needed by the community. Last week, the vaccination process was made even easier by moving to self-scheduling and inviting walk-ins. It’s clear demand is waning as the vaccine becomes more readily available, more Oregonians become vaccinated, and health systems and partners refocus on taking the vaccine into smaller, neighborhood- and community-based settings.

Therefore, the All4Oregon Mass Vaccination Site schedule has been updated:

• First (prime) doses will be offered until May 27.
• In June, only 2nd doses will be offered.
• The All4Oregon site is expected to close on Saturday, June 19.
• All4Oregon administers the Pfizer vaccine.

If you haven’t received your COVID-19 vaccination yet, take advantage of the convenient, efficient OCC experience.

Instructions for Testing and Quarantine After Travel

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) recently updated quarantine recommendations after exposure to COVID-19 in most settings to 14 days to provide the safest way to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  Recommendations for quarantine and testing after travel when no known exposure has occurred, can depend upon whether travel was for essential vs non-essential purposes (recreational) and whether someone is “fully vaccinated.” Decisions about work restrictions for healthcare providers are left to healthcare facilities so staffing can be maintained to provide healthcare to our members. 

With universal masking and by following our infection prevention and employee health policies, KPNW healthcare providers may continue to work after travel as long as they remain asymptomatic. Public health may also grant exceptions from quarantine for non-healthcare essential workers to return to work if (OHA April 24 Statewide Isolation and Quarantine Guidance).

Vaccination Status	Non-essential Travel (domestic and international)
Fully Vaccinated	No test. No quarantine.
Not Fully Vaccinated	Test 3-5 days after return Should but are not required to quarantine 14 days* (If someone is unwilling to quarantine for 14 days, CDC offers additional options, such as quarantine for 7 days if the post-travel test is negative; or quarantine for 10 days if no test is done.) Avoid being around people at increased risk for severe illness for 14 days.

Celebrating the 1-Year Anniversary of Chase Gardens in Eugene

On May 5, 2020, Kaiser Permanente Chase Gardens Medical Office in Eugene, Oregon, opened its doors to its first patients. Staff marked the 1-year anniversary last week with a local celebration and lunch. They were joined by Stella Dantas, MD, associate medical director, Ambulatory & Convenient Care; and Shannon Surber, Mid Valley senior administrator.

“I am extremely proud of the collaboration and commitment of the Chase Gardens team,” said Shannon Surber. “As we prepared for our grand opening last year, we found ourselves urgently needing to shift our work to respond to the growing pandemic. Our amazing facility offered new virtual and onsite services that allowed the team to pivot, yet still provide personal and convenient care for our members.”

“The small but mighty team in Eugene has done a tremendous job in the last year, nurturing Kaiser Permanente’s growing presence in Lane County and providing excellent care to our patients in that community,” said Dr. Dantas. 

Kudos to the team for your commitment to our Eugene and Springfield area patients. To learn more about Chase Gardens, visit their website and check out the special anniversary story on MyKP.

Management of Anaphylaxis After COVID-19 Vaccination

Anaphylaxis, an acute and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction, has been reported rarely following COVID-19 vaccination. Health care personnel who are trained and qualified to recognize the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis as well as administer intramuscular epinephrine should be available at the vaccination location at all times.

If a patient is treated for anaphylaxis at a COVID-19 vaccination clinic or receives a dose of epinephrine, they should be transferred to an Emergency Room for appropriate management and observation. Because anaphylaxis may recur after patients begin to recover, monitoring in a medical facility for at least four hours is advised, even after complete resolution of symptoms and signs.

Guidance to address questions/concerns regarding allergies and COVID-19 vaccination

CDC guidance for anaphylaxis and COVID-19 vaccines

KPNW COVID-19 Trends

From KPNW researchers, scientists, and physicians, effective May 10. Based on review of internal trends and external considerations our findings are:

• OR/WA surge is continuing; infection rate is now below the 1.0 threshold (R₀=0.99). 
• The surge is stabilizing. While new cases may be starting to stabilize/drop, there is the potential for increases in hospitalizations from individuals diagnosed 1-2 weeks ago.​
• We are seeing significant improvement in the two-week forecast, compared to last week. Current modeling forecasts still suggest maximal impact on hospital census in the mid-May to mid-June time frame, with OHSU statewide forecasts show range of roughly 400 (most likely) – 575 (less likely) at peak. (click on link on Slide 6)
• Improvement in model forecasts has directly followed improved changes in public behavior indicators (i.e. lower mobility) by roughly two weeks
• Internal hospital census (ADC) weekly average was down 15% from last week to this week (31.1 to 26.3). Census was 20 on May 9. ADC forecast for this week is 21 by May 17 (w. error).
• Internal ICU census weekly average was down 11% from last week to this week (5.3 to 4.7). Internal ICU had 3 patients on May 9.  ICU patients were 15% of COVID+ internal hospital census on May 9.
• KPNW COVID+ weekly average of daily cases down 21% from last week to this week (108 to 85).Case count forecast is 79 by May 17 (w. error).

Weekly Testing Turnaround Times

The average routine COVID-19 testing turnaround time (TAT) for the week of May 3 to May 9 is 19.5 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 10. Visit the newly enhanced COVID-19 Quick Facts Dashboard for up-to-date, key data on the virus and vaccines.

Words from Our Members

“I loooooove video appointment options. With two kids, COVID-19 or not, it saves us a lot of time and stress for many of our appointment.”

“Very quick drive through COVID-19 test. On time, prompt service, quick results.”

May 6, 2021

In today’s update, you will find important information, including:

• 4 Ways to Be a “Herd Immunity” Ambassador
• Oregon Travel Advisory Clarification
• Clinical Vaccine Guidance Updates
• Join Tuesday’s Live Audio Broadcast
• Reminder: Capacity for Internal Testing
• KPNW Superhero Award Winners

4 Ways to Be a “Herd Immunity” Ambassador

1. Tell family and friends who are having difficulty finding an appointment: There are plenty available at the Oregon Convention Center! Oregonians can make their own vaccine appointments via the website for All4Oregon. Self-scheduling marks a major milestone for All4Oregon and it received a lot of press coverage this week, such as this story in The Oregonian. (The OCC is giving the Pfizer vaccine.)
2. If you work in a KP facility where the vaccine is available, consider asking patients,”Have you been able to get a COVID vaccine appointment? No? You may be able to get one during your visit today!”
3. Get vaccinated.69.2% of Health Plan/Hospital employees are fully vaccinated. In comparison, 91.4% of NWP employees and 91.9% of PDA employees are fully vaccinated. We’re making progress—let’s be the top region in employee vaccination rates! Visit the COVID-19 Quick Facts Dashboard for up-to-date, key data on the virus and vaccines.
4. Spread the word on social media. As we approach Mother’s Day, feel free to share KP’s COVID-19 healthy behaviors posts:
   • Twitter: https://twitter.com/aboutKP/status/1389987038741499907
   • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:ugcPost:6795752715080339456/
   • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/COf6yOLrJ8k/
   • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/39083495114/posts/10159168695315115

Oregon Travel Advisory Clarification

Public health officials may soon issue clarification to information they released earlier this week, which stated, “people arriving in Oregon from other states or countries, including returning Oregon residents, should practice self-quarantine for 14 days after arrival.”

KPNW’s Infectious Disease physicians provided the following guidance for fully vaccinated and not fully vaccinated people:

Vaccination Status	Domestic Travel	International Travel
Fully Vaccinated	No quarantine. No test.	No quarantine. Test 3-5 days after return.
Not Fully Vaccinated	Test 3-5 days after return, quarantine 7 days with negative test 3-5 days after return. If no test, quarantine 10 days after return. Avoid being around people at increased risk for severe illness for 14 days.	Same as domestic travel.

Clinical Vaccine Guidance Updates

Visit the InfoHub to find guidance on two new topics:

• People vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccines not authorized in the United States
• Interchangeability of COVID-19 vaccine products for FDA authorized vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J)

Join Tuesday’s Live Audio Broadcast

Plan on joining the next LIVE audio broadcast on Tuesday, May 11, starting at 12:10 p.m. We’ll be sharing the latest COVID-19 community and clinical vaccine updates, as well as answers to your most frequently asked questions.

https://sparkstreetdigital.zoom.us/j/91660184663 (Audio only) Dial In:  +1 669 900 9128  

Webinar ID: 916 6018 4663. If you’re unable to join, a recording will be provided on Wednesday.Submit your questions or suggestions for future audio broadcast topics

Reminder: Capacity for Internal Testing

Kaiser Permanente has increased COVID-19 diagnostic testing capacity over the past months and can provide testing for both asymptomatic and symptomatic members. New member messaging encourages members needing a test to get one at a KP location. Members can schedule by going to kp.org/appointments and selecting COVID-19 test under appointment type.

Although testing turnaround times vary, staff can inform members that they should receive test results within 24-48 hours on average.

KPNW Superhero Award Winners

Individual Award: Val Hartford, Housekeeper, Environmental Services Department (EVS)

While the COVID-19 pandemic has forced many employees to work remotely, our EVS Teams have intensified their service efforts within our facilities to focus on disinfection. And no one has been more dedicated to this critical objective than our Kaiser Permanente Building (KPB) daytime housekeeper, Val Hartford. 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!

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:
  • KGW — COVID-19 hospitalizations on the rise in Oregon, younger adults hospitalized more
  • ABC News — COVID burden shifts to younger Americans with older generations vaccinated
  • LA Times — COVID-19 surges in Oregon, sickening younger adults and forcing a return to restrictions

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.”