Mobile Immunization Clinics Provide Needed Vaccines to Thousands
In 2017, the SRHD Immunization program, in partnership with schools and community partners, provided 2,567 vaccines through its Mobile Immunization Clinic model.
In 2017, the SRHD Immunization program, in partnership with schools and community partners, provided 2,567 vaccines through its Mobile Immunization Clinic model.
Though having slowed in recent months, several recent widespread hepatitis A outbreaks have affected states across the country, including long-term outbreaks in California and Michigan, and more recently Utah, Colorado and Kentucky. These cases have occurred primarily among persons who are experiencing homelessness, persons who use injection and non-injection drugs, and their close direct contacts. Homelessness is a particularly significant risk factor, as the lack of access to restrooms and sinks results in poor hygiene and unsanitary conditions. People experiencing homelessness may also have underlying health conditions or drug addictions that might make their infections more severe.
Seasonal influenza is hitting our region hard as we see marked increases in flu hospitalizations and deaths. So far this season, 452 Spokane County residents have been hospitalized with lab-confirmed flu and 25 have died, compared with 222 hospitalizations and 11 deaths at this same time last year. Over the past 15 flu seasons, the current season is the first time all states in the continental US have reported widespread flu activity during the same week.
Under Washington State RCW 70.24.110, minors who are age 14 and over can give consent for STD diagnosis and treatment, which includes hepatitis B and HPV immunizations, without getting permission from a parent or guardian.
When the height of the travel season subsides with the start of school, every other year the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention releases its annual Health Information for International Travel book (commonly called the Yellow Book) for healthcare professionals. This fully revised and updated resource codifies the U.S. government’s most current travel health guidelines, including pre-travel vaccine recommendations, destination-specific health advice, and easy to reference maps, tables, and other charts.