Report Notifiable Conditions
Reminder! We support:
- Disease prevention
- Screening.
- Treatment and outbreak response.
Healthcare facilities in Pierce County have several ways to report COVID-19 outbreaks and other conditions. To learn more, visit our Report Notifiable Conditions page.
Questions? Contact Elle Cooper.
Respiratory Illnesses
Vaccines, handwashing, and staying home when sick help protect against respiratory illnesses. Check out our Your Reliable Source blog for updates on vaccine options and our expanded data dashboard.
Are you looking for a vaccine partner?
We offer a list of pharmacies that administer vaccines at long-term care facilities (LTCFs) and provide other medical services. For questions, reach out to Jennifer Schafer.
Vaccine Recommendations
Now is the time for LTC clients and staff to get up to date with vaccines ahead of the winter season. Read our latest Health Advisory: 2024–2025 Respiratory Illness Season Vaccine Recommendations.
On Oct. 22, 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended that people aged 65 years and older, as well as those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, receive a 2nd dose of the 2024-2025 COVID-19 Vaccine 6 months after their first dose. Read the CDC Statement.
Additionally, CDC ACIP recommended to lower the age for Pneumococcal Vaccination from 65 to 50 years old. You can read the CDC endorsement here.
Building Vaccine Confidence
Find tools to enhance vaccine confidence among residents and staff in LTCFs.
A recent survey identified significant misinformation and vaccine hesitancy among residents. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) developed tools to address these issues. As healthcare providers in LTCFs, your role is vital in boosting vaccine demand and coverage rates.
Be Prepared
COVID-19 Test Kits
We have limited over-the-counter (OTC) test kits for LTCFs. Email Epitesting@tpchd.org for more info.
Free government COVID-19 test kits are still being shipped. Use these tests quickly as cases rise during the holiday season. Verify expiration dates on the FDA webpage, and to order kits, email covidtests.gov.
Check our testing Information page for free testing locations. Confirm eligibility and fees before visiting.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Ensure you set up partnerships with medical suppliers to remain prepared. It's important to have a backup stock in case an outbreak occurs. If you are in urgent need of PPE, please contact us at (253) 649-1412 or email longtermcare@tpchd.org.
Infection Control and Guidance
Stay updated with monthly information on Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) and Antimicrobial Resistance (AR). To subscribe to updates on HAIAR, click here.
LTC Stewardship Resources
Join the Skilled Nursing Facility Antimicrobial Stewardship (SNF AMS) Collaborative!
Enhance your antimicrobial stewardship expertise and skills through the collaborative that runs from September 2024 – May 2025. Participate in engaging monthly sessions with presentations, activities, and Q&A. Benefits of participation include improved antibiotic usage and readiness for inspections. Upon completion, you will earn a certificate demonstrating your enhanced stewardship skills. Learn more and register here.
Free Stewardship Resources for Consultant Pharmacists
Attention consultant pharmacists working with LTCFs: DOH is offering to provide the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists' Antimicrobial Stewardship Toolkit for free. This toolkit is packed with practical guidance to help you maintain an antimicrobial program while staying compliant with CMS Long-Term Care regulations. Learn more and register here.
ICARs and Visits
To enhance infection prevention efforts, we conduct Infection Prevention Assessment and Response (ICAR) consultations and site visits to provide education and resources. If you have any questions or need assistance, contact Elle Cooper.
More resources
Infection Control and Prevention, Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department.
Infection Prevention and Control, DSHS.
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