WA DOH Updates & Announcements: Infection Prevention, Online Education, Free COVID-19 Tests
Respiratory Virus Preparedness: Quarterly Long-Term Care Infection Prevention Call
The Department of Health’s Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance (HAIAR) Team invites all long-term care settings to join them for a webinar about preparedness for respiratory virus season. This call will include presentations and panelists from local health, Residential Care Services, emergency preparedness, vaccines and infection prevention.
When: Sep 5, 2024, 3:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Respiratory Virus Preparedness: Quarterly Long-Term Care Infection Prevention Call
Register in advance for this webinar:
Free Online Education Opportunity– Communication Skills About Antibiotic Use for Nurses and Medical Assistants
The Department of Health’s Antimicrobial Stewardship Team is offering free educational opportunities for nursing home providers, prescribers, pharmacists, nurses, and infection preventionists.
WHAT: Communicating with Residents and Families About Antibiotics
- A free online continuing education course for nurses and medical assistants
- This is designed to teach communication skills around antibiotic use, which will help avoid inappropriate antibiotic prescribing
WHERE: Sign up here
More information:
SNF Antimicrobial Stewardship Collaborative for Nurses and Infection Preventionists
WHAT: Skilled Nursing Facility Antimicrobial Stewardship Collaborative
- This is a certificate program designed for nurses and infection preventionists
- Benefits of attending include improved antibiotic use and increased survey readiness
WHEN: September 2024 – May 2025
WHERE: Sign up here
More information:
Free COVID-19 Tests
The Washington State Department of Health has received notification FREE COVID-19 tests will be available for distribution again this fall via the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Please share this information out with your colleagues: COVID-19 Testing (hhs.gov).
The link also has a list of all the testing products that have had extended expiration dates, by brand and product At-Home OTC COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests | FDA.
To ensure you receive the latest news and updates to support and enhance vaccine work, please visit the Department of Health, Office of Immunization NEW listserv! Go to: public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WADOH/subscriber/new, enter your email, scroll down to Immunization, select Long Term Care and Adult Immunizations, then click submit.
