Medical Staff News
News
Medical Health Officer Newsletter No. 340
Since mid-December 2021, Omicron has been the dominant variant among COVID-19 cases in Island Health. While the number of people infected with COVID-19 has increased substantially, the proportion of those with severe disease has substantially decreased.
Thoughts on supporting ourselves and each other
The end of January is a good time to turn our attention to mental health. One high profile public campaign “ Bell Let's Talk Day” is held on January 26. This year’s theme is “Supporting ourselves and each other."
Updated Pediatric Respiratory Resources for Health Care Providers In Community & Acute Care Settings
BC Children’s Hospital list of Pediatric Respiratory Resources for pediatric health care providers.
NACI Statement: Recommendations on the use of COVID-19 vaccines in Children 5 to 11 years of Age
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) issued a statement updating their language around 5-11 age group vaccines from “may be offered” to “recommended,” due to the rising number of children being hospitalized or falling ill.
Clinical guidance on COVID-19 Vaccine for people with neuromuscular conditions and autoimmune neuromuscular disorders
These BCCDC guidance documents focus on the safety of COVID-19 Vaccines for people with Significant Neuromuscular Conditions Who Require Respiratory Support and Autoimmune Neuromuscular Disorders Receiving Immunosuppressive/ Immunomodulating Therapy. Updates include Moderna will be approved shortly for children aged 6-11, information around 3rd vaccine doses and booster doses.
Pandemic Planning COVID-19 Update
The province is extending the vaccine card program to access non-essential indoor spaces, including restaurants, bars and gyms, until June 30, 2022.
ID NOW™ Rapid Testing for Direct Care Staff & Medical Staff
Island Health test sites are now equipped with ID NOW™ COVID-19 rapid tests, which will ensure health-care workers who have a shift within 24-hours can get tested and receive results quickly. ID NOW delivers high-quality molecular COVID-19 positive results in as little as 15 minutes.
Updated: Sotrovimab Medication Documents
The Island Health memo on Sotrovimab injection use and access now contains updated information about the new Outpatient COVID Therapeutics Clinic (OCTC). There were also minor changes made to the provincial Clinical Practice Guide for the Use of Sotrovimab in Patients with COVID-19.
Pandemic Planning COVID-19 Update
This morning, Dr. Bonnie Henry noted that data collected from December 14 to January 6 confirms that outside of being unvaccinated, the single most important risk factor for having severe COVID-19 illness requiring hospitalization is age. People who are aged 80 and older are 28 times more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 illness.
