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December 2024
*New* CDC TB Survivor Personal Stories
CDC's Division of TB Elimination shared seven new stories as part of the TB Survivor Personal Stories series. These new stories feature six TB survivors discussing their experiences with TB disease. You can view the videos and print stories on CDC’s TB Personal Stories website.
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In 2023, all jurisdictions fully implemented the revised TB case report form. This year’s annual report includes select data from new variables included on the revised form, including pregnancy, smoking, and history of experiencing homelessness. CDC also created a slide set and infographic to highlight findings from the 2023 surveillance report.
Changes to Bedaquiline Patient Assistance Programs
Beginning in October, Johnson & Johnson (J&J) made changes to their patient assistance program for Bedaquiline (BDQ), including the elimination of the co-pay assistance program. Once a co-pay card expires, it will not be renewed. J&J is currently in the process of updating their website and supporting materials for their BDQ patient assistance program.
Access the new J&J patient assistance application form here.
Our program will update the BPaL Guidance document as soon as new information is provided by J&J.
For additional information, please visit the NTCA website.
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TB Year-End Data Deadlines
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December 2024: Preliminary cleanup lists will be sent to LHJ partners to get a head start on data cleanup.
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December 27, 2024: Last day to submit 2024 cases for counting.
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January 10, 2025: Limited provisional variables due for all 2024 cases.
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February 2025: Second round of data closeout line lists sent out.
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March 7, 2025: Final deadline for 2024 data closeout.
- Case data must be as complete as possible for 2024 cases.
- Contact investigation records for 2024 cases must be entered into WDRS and updated to be as complete as possible.
- Class B screening data should be as complete as possible.
We will be sharing more about TB data deadlines at the RAINIER Suite Sprint Review (RSSR) meeting on February 19th, 2025. Register Here.
This information and other resources are available on the TB Data Resources SharePoint page. Email tbservices@doh.wa.gov with any questions or concerns or to request access to the SharePoint.
CDC TB Elimination and Laboratory Cooperative Agreement Notice of Award (NOA) for 2025
CDC has not yet informed the Washington State TB Program of our NOA status. We will be reaching out to the impacted LHJs with updates shortly after we’ve received the NOA.
RAINIER Suite Sprint Review (RSSR) Registration Links Updated
Attention WDRS users! If you were previously registered for the RAINIER Suite Spring Review (formerly known as the WUG or RSUG), the registration process has changed. Attendees must register for each session individually; registration links can be found on the WDRS User Community SharePoint. Registration links for all 2025 sessions are available.
RSSR is a meeting where developers present and discuss WDRS updates being implemented in the next build cycle. We recommend WDRS TB users attend when possible, especially epidemiologist staff or heavy WDRS users.
Isoniazid 100 mg Shortage
The manufacturer of Isoniazid (INH) 100 mg, Teva, is discontinuing production of this dosage. It is currently unavailable to order through Cardinal. It appears the same is occurring with the 300 mg dose though Cardinal still has some on their shelves. At the time of this article's publication, Cardinal has identified a new manufacturer and both INH 100 mg and 300 mg will be available soon. We have not heard of the status for other suppliers like McKesson.
- DOH has a limited supply of INH 100 mg and a healthy supply of the 300 mg purchased using the 340B and the MMCAP discount programs. We will be reviewing each LHJ order requesting INH 100 mg that comes in until the new source is available.
- Please order the 100 mg only for current patients.
- When possible, order the INH 300 mg and split the pills.
- Consider using a local compounding pharmacy to convert the 300 mg to the liquid equivalent dosage your patient needs.
DOH has reported this issue to the National TB Coalition of America who has reached out to FDA and DTBE.
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Waste TB Medications?
Please remember to report any medications obtained by your LHJ from the DOH TB program that your program had to dispose of. We request that you submit this information at least quarterly or as each situation arises. Send an email to tbservices@doh.wa.gov with the following details:
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- Medication type (e.g., rifampin, isoniazid, etc.)
- Dosage (e.g., 100 mg, 300 mg, etc.)
- Which program order form was used (340B, MMCAP, or Former CDC Stockpile)
- Reason for disposal (e.g., expiration)
Note: Unopened bottles of medications can be returned to the pharmacy if you know your LHJ will not use them. Please do not return medications that are within 30 days of expiration.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us by email.
Former CDC Rifampin 300 mg Available
As of September 15th, LHJs are encouraged to order Rifampin 300 mg that we received from the former CDC National Stockpile. Your LHJ can use this for patients with active disease or latent TB infection. Please order using the Former CDC National Stockpile Medication Order Form. Do not purchase additional Rifampin 300 mg or order using other DOH forms until this supply is exhausted.
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Remember to record in your medication tracking log that this supply is from the CDC and not purchased through the 340B or MMCAP discount programs. The pharmacy shipping sheet will also indicate the medication source. The expiration for this supply is 4/30/2025. If you have any questions, please reach out to tbservices@doh.wa.gov.
We Are TB/Somos TB Virtual Patient Support
Free virtual patient support groups offered through We Are TB/Somos TB are a great resource to share with your LHJ's TB patients. Patients can learn more about TB disease, meet people who have personally battled TB, and assist you in support your patient through the emotions and stress of treatment. Association with people who have endured similar issues, like isolation and medication symptoms, can help your patient feel more engaged and supported. High resolution flyers are available and were developed with We Are TB and the New Jersey Department of Health.
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January 13, 2025 | Save-the-Date: National TB Nurse Coalition (NTNC) Webinar
Harnessing AI for Enhanced TB Nursing Practice: Practical Applications & Potential Pitfalls
by Patty Woods RN MSN & Nadya Sabuwala DNP, MPH, RN, PHN
Innovations in Tuberculosis (TB) Webinar Series
This Mayo Clinic Center for TB monthly webinar series offers healthcare professionals the latest insights in tuberculosis (TB).
Washington's TB Project ECHO
On Tuesdays 12:30-1:30 pm PT, join our lunch-time virtual discussion about real TB cases with your peers. This free interactive event is guided by a panel of local TB experts. Click here for more information about this local project and our partners who make this ongoing event possible.
SEATRAC Seminar Series
SEATRAC hosts and promotes seminars, one Friday session per month from 12 - 1 PM, focused on TB basic and clinical sciences by local trainees', local and visiting faculty, and special guests.
2024 ECHO Colorado Newcomer Health Series
In partnership with ECHO Colorado, the Minnesota Center of Excellence hosts a monthly training on newcomer health on the last Tuesday of each month at 8:00 AM, PT. This series is designed to increase medical providers' knowledge of the resettlement and health issues of newcomers, including refugee, immigrant, and migrant (RIM) populations. More information here.
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Mayo Clinic Innovations in Tuberculosis (TB) Webinar Series
Access here.
CITC Archived Webinars
CME/CE units will not be offered for these trainings. Access here.
Rutgers TB Institute Webinar Archives
CE units are not available for these archives. Access here.
SNTC Archived Webinars
CME/CE units are not offered for these trainings. Access here.
SNTC Online Courses
CME units are offered for these trainings. Access here.
CDC: TB 101 for Health Care Workers
CE units expire on 11/6/2025 and are available at no cost. Access here.
TB ECHO Recorded Archives
Missed a TB ECHO® session? TB ECHO® has didactic presentations available for viewing on YouTube. Handouts related to the presentation are included where appropriate. Watch recorded TB ECHO®.
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Minnesota's Center of Excellence in Newcomer Health
- Access helpful tools, trainings, and updates for newcomers and refugee health here.
CDC
DOH Refugee Health Program
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Afghan Health Resources - Fact sheets, webinars, videos, and other health resources (scroll down for TB resources).
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Ukrainian Health Resources - Fact sheets, webinars, videos, and other health resources to support new arrivals from Ukraine (scroll down for TB resources).
Southeastern National TB Center
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