September 17, 2012_CRS "Dear Provider/Administrator" Letters

September 17, 2012

ADSA: CCRSS #2012-006
Influenza and pneumococcal Immunization reminders

 

Dear Certified Community Residential Service Provider:

Residential Care Services is partnering with Washington State Department of Health to remind providers about the benefits of:

  • Flu and pneumococcal vaccines – these vaccines can potentially reduce the rate of hospitalizations and deaths in many people, especially in those 65 and older.
  • Using the Washington State Immunization Information System, formerly Child Profile Immunization Registry, to keep track of your clients' and instruction and support staff's vaccinations. For more information or to register, contact the system's Help Desk at 1-800-325-5599 or 206-205-4141 https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/cpir/iweb/main.jsp

Get ready for flu! Help keep your clients and staff healthier this flu season by:

  • Encouraging all clients and instruction and support staff to get the flu vaccine and making sure they are up-to-date on their pneumococcal vaccine.
  • Taking measures to minimize transmission in the home such as washing hands or using hand sanitizers frequently. More information about infection control is available at: www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/infectioncontrol/  
  • Reporting flu outbreaks in the home to your local health department. They can help with advice about testing, treatment, prophylaxis and infection control. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines an outbreak as a sudden increase of acute febrile respiratory illness cases or when any client tests positive for influenza.

There are many websites that provide information on flu and pneumococcal disease. We encourage you to check these websites often for new information:

We have also updated our internet website under Professionals & Providers to include the above links and other resources. See  https://www.dshs.wa.gov/altsa/long-term-care-professionals-providers

Sincerely,

Joyce Pashley Stockwell, Director
Residential Care Services
Department of Social and Health Services

Maxine Hayes, MD, MPH
State Health Officer 
Washington State Department of Health