STATE OF WASHINGTON



center31912900STATE OF WASHINGTONDEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICESAging and Long-Term Support AdministrationHome and Community Services Divisioncenter1769800HCS MANAGEMENT BULLETIN00HCS MANAGEMENT BULLETINPO Box 45600, Olympia, WA 98504-5600H20-087 – InformationOctober 8, 2020TO:Home and Community Services (HCS) Division Regional Administrators Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) Regional AdministratorsArea Agency on Aging (AAA) Directors FROM:Bea Rector, Director, Home and Community Services Division43795953175Shannon Manion, Director of The Division of Field Services, DDASUBJECT:Pneumococcal Vaccine InformationPURPOSE:To update case managers, nurses and social workers about the Pneumococcal Vaccination recommendations.BACKGROUND:Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by a bacteria known as pneumococcus (Streptococcus pneumoniae). Pneumococcus bacteria are spread by coughing and sneezing. Many people's noses and throats contain pneumococcus bacteria. It is unknown why it suddenly invades the body and causes disease. Infection with this bacteria can cause many types of pneumococcal disease. The most common serious forms of pneumococcal disease are pneumonia (lung infection), bacteremia (bloodstream infection), and meningitis (swelling of the covering of the brain and spinal cord). Adults age 65 years and older are most likely to die from pneumococcal disease, but younger adults with certain health conditions are also at increased risk for severe illness and death.How is COVID-19 pneumonia different from regular pneumonia?The symptoms of COVID-19 pneumonia may be similar to other types of viral pneumonia. Because of this, it can be difficult to tell what’s causing your condition without being tested for COVID-19 or other respiratory infections.Research is underway to determine how COVID-19 pneumonia differs from other types of pneumonia. Information from these studies can potentially help in diagnosis and in furthering our understanding of how SARS-CoV-2 affects the lungs.Since pneumococcal disease can infect different parts of the body, symptoms will depend on the part of the body that is infected. Pneumococcal pneumonia (lung infection) is the most common serious form of pneumococcal disease. It starts with high fever, cough, and stabbing chest pains. Older adults may experience confusion or low alertness rather than the other symptoms.Pneumococcal meningitis (swelling of the covering of the brain and spinal cord) include symptoms such as fever, stiff neck, headache, sensitivity to light, and confusion. It can also cause middle ear infections and the symptoms include ear pain, fever, red and swollen ear drum, and sleepinessPneumococcal bacteremia (bloodstream infection) include symptoms such as fever, chills, and low alertness. Sepsis is a life-threatening complication that can occur as a result of infection. Without timely treatment, sepsis can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death.WHAT’S NEW, CHANGED, OR CLARIFIED:Pneumococcal disease is a leading cause of serious illness throughout the world. In the US, it is estimated that more than 150,000 hospitalizations from pneumococcal pneumonia occur each year, and about 5-7% of those who are hospitalized from it will die. The death rate is even higher in those age 65 years and older. Fewer people will get pneumococcal meningitis or bloodstream infection, but the mortality rate for these infections is even higher, even with proper treatment. Vaccines are recommended for all children and for certain adults–those age 65 years and older, and adults age 19 to 64 years with certain risk conditions. Importance of the Pneumococcal Vaccination Vaccination reduces the chances of becoming infected with pneumococcal bacteria and is associated with improved survival, reduced chances of respiratory failure or other complications, and shorter in-patient stays for adults hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia.Can I get the Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccines at the same time?Yes. Influenza (flu) and one pneumococcal vaccine can be given at the same time, but in different arms. In fact, pneumococcal disease can be a complication of flu, so getting both vaccines is a smart choice. If you need a second pneumococcal vaccine, your healthcare professional will tell you when to come back for it.Medicaid Transportation Brokers will provide transportation to physician’s offices and pharmacies providing flu vaccines if they are billing Medicaid and the requested pharmacies are approved providers. Here is the link to the NEMT website below where clients, case managers or providers can use the broker directory to get contact information for their county. For questions or concerns with the broker they can email the NEMT office directly at: HCANEMTTRANS@hca.. ?ACTION:Case Managers are encouraged to talk their clients during their routine conversations, about getting this vaccine as soon as they can and inform them that it is covered by Medicaid.? RELATED REFERENCES:Fast Facts to Know about Pneumococcal Disease ATTACHMENT(S):CONTACT(S): Angela Nottage, RN - Nursing and Performance Improvement Unit Manager, HCS(360) 725-2323Angela.nottage@dshs.Doris Barret, RN – Nursing Services Unit Manager, DDA(360) 407-1558Doris.Barret@dshs. ................
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