The CDC recently released new recommendations for Screening and Testing for Hepatitis B Virus infection. These guidelines mirror existing CDC Recommendations for Hepatitis C Screening Among Adults - 2020. Both recommendations call for universal testing of ALL adults, 18 years and older, at least once for hepatitis B and hepatitis C, with additional testing based on individual risk. Both recommendations call for universal testing of all pregnant individuals with each pregnancy. More info...

CDC has received reports that some STD programs are currently unable to procure enough penicillin G benzathine (Bicillin L-A®) – the first-line recommended treatment for syphilis – to treat syphilis cases in their jurisdictions. The manufacturer anticipates the issue will be resolved in the next two months. In the meantime, they are working closely with CDC and FDA to address urgent requests. More info...

(Santa Ana, CA) - Following the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory action last week to amend the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) on COVID-19 vaccinations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) transitioned recommendations to using only the mRNA bivalent vaccines (both Moderna and Pfizer) and the use of the Monovalent (original) mRNA COVID-19 vaccines is no longer authorized.   
 
According to the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the simplification is supported by available data and field experience as evidence shows that most people in the US above 5 years of age, have antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 from prior vaccination but because of waning of this protection over time, the bivalent vaccines are critical to boost protection.
 
"This is a welcomed development, making COVID-19 vaccination administration easier for both health care providers and clients," said Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, OC Health Care Agency’s (HCA) Chief of Public Health Services and County Health Officer. "Individuals who never had any COVID-19 vaccines as well as those who had previous vaccines can now be vaccinated with the same bivalent boosters, making access and administration less complicated."

In addition to eliminating the monovalent 2-dose vaccine, the revised EUA includes several updates, specifically:

• Individuals 65 years of age and older who have received a single dose of a bivalent vaccine should receive one additional dose at least four months following their initial bivalent dose. 
• Most individuals with certain kinds of immunocompromise who have received a bivalent COVID-19 vaccine should receive a single additional dose of a bivalent COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 months following a dose of a bivalent COVID-19 vaccine, and additional doses may be administered at the discretion of, and at intervals determined by, their health care provider. However, for immunocompromised individuals 6 months through 4 years of age, eligibility for additional doses will depend on the vaccine previously received. 
• Most unvaccinated individuals should receive a single dose of a bivalent vaccine, rather than multiple doses of the original monovalent mRNA vaccines. 
• Children 6 months through 5 years of age who are unvaccinated should receive either a two-dose series of the Moderna bivalent vaccine (6 months through 5 years of age) OR a three-dose series of the Pfizer-BioNTech bivalent vaccine (6 months through 4 years of age). Children who are 5 years of age may receive two doses of the Moderna bivalent vaccine or a single dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech bivalent vaccine. 
• Children 6 months through 5 years of age who have received one, two or three doses of a monovalent COVID-19 vaccine should receive a bivalent vaccine, but the number of doses that they receive will depend on the vaccine and their vaccination history. Read more about the importance of infant immunization here.

The CDC's recommendations for use of (monovalent) Novavax COVID-19 and Johnson & Johnson ‘s Jansen COVID-19 vaccines were not affected by the change in recommendations.
 
As COVID-19 continues to be a risk for many people, the HCA strongly encourages individuals to stay current with vaccination as available data continues to demonstrate that vaccines prevent the most serious outcomes of COVID-19 such as severe illness, hospitalization and death. As the protection from COVID-19 vaccination wanes over time, people who are over 65 years of age or immunocompromised, may consider getting a booster vaccine if they received their last dose more than four months or two months ago, respectively.
 
For individuals who cannot or will not receive an mRNA vaccine, alternatives to mRNA COVID-19 vaccines remain available as the CDC's recommendations for use of (monovalent) Novavax COVID-19 vaccines were not affected by the change in recommendations.
 
The HCA will continue to update guidance in cooperation with state and federal partners. In order to ensure Orange County residents have the information needed, the HCA responds to community inquiries through the Agency’s Health Referral Line at 1-800-564-8448, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
 
For more information on COVID-19 including resources, case counts, vaccination, and testing in Orange County, visit ochealthinfo.com/covid.

 

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On April 18, 2023, the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) amended the emergency use authorizations (EUAs) of Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 bivalent mRNA vaccines. This action included authorizing the current bivalent vaccines to be used for all doses administered to individuals six-months of age and older, including additional doses for certain populations.  On April 19, 2023, CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met and reviewed COVID-19 vaccine safety and efficacy data. The CDC updated its Interim Clinical Considerations for the Use of COVID-19 Vaccines Currently Authorized in the United States on April 22, 2023. More info...

(Santa Ana, CA) - The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) encourages community members to drop-off expired, unused or unwanted prescription medications on “National Prescription Drug Take Back Day” Saturday, April 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at numerous locations throughout Orange County (OC). 

“This is a great opportunity for individuals to clean out their medicine cabinets while helping to safeguard the health and well-being of those they love,” said Dr. Veronica Kelley, Chief of HCA’s Mental Health and Recovery Services. “Pharmaceutical medication can be just as dangerous as street drugs when taken without a prescription or a doctor’s supervision. The opioid crisis is nationwide and here in Orange County. Participating in events like National Take Back Day makes an impact.”

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Event supports the HCA’s commitment to the safety and health of the OC community by encouraging the public to remove unneeded medications from homes to prevent misuse and opioid addiction from ever starting.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day helps to draw attention to this ongoing issue and reminds us how together we can keep our communities safe. To locate a Take Back drop-off site near you, please visit the Drug Enforcement Administration’s website at www.DEATakeback.com or call 1(800) 882-9539. Drop-off service is free and anonymous.

To learn more about medication misuse prevention efforts in Orange County or to find local safe disposal locations available year-round, visit: www.ochealthinfo.com/adept.
 

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(Santa Ana, CA) - The National Weather Service (NWS) has forecasted cold overnight temperatures throughout inland, coastal and south Orange County cities beginning Tuesday, April through Thursday, April 6. Overnight temperatures in many areas throughout the county will dip to the high-30s tomorrow and stay in the low-to-mid 40s through Thursday. Colder-than-normal temperatures increase the risk of cold-related illnesses like hypothermia, especially for those who are more sensitive to extreme weather changes.

When exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced. Low body temperature may make you unable to think clearly or move well. Hypothermia occurs most likely at very cold temperatures, but it can occur even at cool temperatures (above 40°F) if a person becomes chilled from rain, sweat, or submersion in cold water.
 
“When prolonged exposure to very cold temperatures occurs, it is important to make certain that you are protected from hypothermia. In addition, it is critical to check that seniors who live alone, your neighbors, pets and vulnerable populations are safe during this time,” said Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, County Health Officer and OC Health Care Agency Acting Chief of Public Health Services.
 
Residents are also cautioned against using their kitchen range or oven to heat their homes. Home furnaces and heaters should be inspected periodically, with needed repairs performed by a qualified and licensed heating or plumbing contractor. If space heaters are used, make sure there is nothing within three feet of the heater that could catch on fire, such as bedding, drapes, or furniture. Never cover your space heater and never leave children unattended near a space heater. If electric power is lost during a storm, never use a gasoline powered generator indoors, in a garage or near doors or windows where air may enter a home due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

The County of Orange Cold Weather Emergency Shelter is no longer open. For information on accessing support, call 211.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that at high levels of exposure can be fatal. Low levels of carbon monoxide poisoning can be confused with flu symptoms, food poisoning or other illnesses and can have a long-term health risk if left unattended. Some of the symptoms of low-level exposure include shortness of breath, mild nausea and mild headaches. Moderate levels of carbon monoxide exposure can present with headaches, dizziness, nausea, and lightheadedness. Every home should have a carbon monoxide detector, which is very similar to a smoke detector.
 
Recommended precautions to prepare your household for cold weather or power outage:

• Check on those who are at high risk to make sure they are staying warm – including seniors who live alone, as well as other vulnerable populations such as young children.
• Make sure to check on your pets.
• Wear layers of clothing. 

For more information on cold weather safety, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/index.html.

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