EARLY TREATMENT FOR COVID-19 AT MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY REGIONAL CENTERS (MARC)
Source: County of San Diego Health & Human Services Agency (HHSA) Photo: Twitter @SanDiegoCounty July 19, 2021 (San Diego) — Monoclonal antibodies are proteins made in a lab that help boost the immune system to fight viruses. The monoclonal antibody combination treatments of monoclonal antibody combination treatment from Regeneron has been authorized for emergency use to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults and pediatric patients (12 years of age and older weighing at least 40 kg / 88 lbs.) with positive results of direct SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) viral testing, and who are at high risk for progressing to severe COVID-19 and/or hospitalization. Monoclonal antibodies have been shown in clinical trials to reduce COVID-19-related hospitalization and emergency room visits. Who Qualifies? Medically eligible, symptomatic COVID-19 positive patients whose COVID-19 symptoms have developed within the last 10 days Treatment will be provided at no cost to all medically eligible individuals regardless of health insurance or immigration status How? Health Providers To refer patients who meet FDA’s EUA criteria, health professionals or their delegated medical staff should call (619) 685-2500 to schedule a patient’s appointment. Please provide your patient with the FDA monoclonal antibody EUA Fact Sheet for Patients, Parents and Caregivers (Spanish) to bring to his or her appointment. Patients must wear a mask. Patients If you think that you or a loved one is medically eligible (Spanish)) to receive monoclonal antibody treatment, call (619) 685-2500 to ask questions or to schedule an appointment. Patients must wear a mask. Where? Family Health Centers of San Diego Treatment sites in Chula Vista and Hillcrest MARC at Neighborhood Healthcare Treatment site in Escondido MARC at Vista Community Clinic Treatment site in Vista Additional Resources Fact Sheets & Other Documents Fact Sheets Health Care Providers Patients, Parents and Caregivers (Spanish) Other Documents Frequently Asked Questions on the EUA of Casirivimab and Imdevimab NIH Statement on Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Monoclonal Antibodies EUA Promotional Resources Patient Flyer (English / Spanish) Provider Flyer Messaging Tips for Providers Promotional video (Spanish) Transportation Medi-Cal Health Plan Contact Card Medi-Cal Transportation FAQs Questions? Email COVIDtreatment@sdcounty.ca.gov Printer-friendly version
FREE FLU SHOTS FOR EVERYONE OVER 6 MONTHS
October 2, 2015 (El Cajon) – Free Flu shots for everyone over 6 months will be dispensed at the Ronald Reagan Community Center in El Cajon Wednesday, October 7, 2015. See attached flyer. Printer-friendly version
TB CASE AT HELIX CHARTER HIGH
March 7, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – A case of tuberculosis has been reported at Helix Charter High School in La Mesa. Students and staff may have been exposed, according to the County Health and Human Services Agency. HHSA is working closely with the school to notify anyone who was potentially exposed. The period of possible exposure was from Sept. 8, 2013 through Feb. 21. Free testing for students who were potentially exposed took place on March 6 and 7 at the school. “Many hours of close, indoor contact with an infected individual is usually needed to spread TB to others and most people who are exposed do not develop TB,” said Dr. Eric McDonald, County deputy public health officer. “TB is easiest to treat and cure with medication when identified early, which is why it’s important to identify those who have been exposed,” he added. Symptoms of active TB include persistent cough, fever, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss. Countywide, there have been 14 cases of TB reported so far in 2014. There were 206 TB cases in 2013 and 234 reported in 2012. For more information about the potential exposure, call the County of San Diego TB Program at (619) 692-8621 Printer-friendly version
SERVING THOSE WHO NEED: WELLNESS EVENT FOR VETS, MILITARY AND FAMILY MARCH 4
February 28, 2014 (San Diego)–The County is sponsoring Serving Those Who Serve, a wellness fair for veterans, active duty military and their families. The event will take place Tuesday, March 4 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the San Diego Air and Space Museum in Balboa Park. Refreshments and free childcare will be provided. All participants will receive a complimentary pass to the museum. You can find a link at the County news center to register online. The event will focus on overall wellness with an emphasis on overcoming the stigma of seeking help for mental illness. Shame or fear of jeopardizing their careers can often keep people from getting help for a mental disorder. The reluctance to seek treatment is even greater in the military community. Talking openly about mental illness can help eliminate the stigma associated with it and can lead to more people getting help. Industry leaders will share their personal stories of hope and resilience while encouraging veterans, active service members and their families to get help for a mental health disorder, says Supervisor Ron Roberts, who will deliver opening remarks. The main speaker will be John Roberts, executive vice president of the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), a veterans’ service organization that offers programs, service and events for wounded veterans. A panel discussion will follow featuring representatives from organizations who work with veterans and Giovanny Penate, a veteran of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. A survey last year revealed that 75 percent of Wounded Warrior Project alumni live with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), 74 percent experience anxiety and 69 percent reported suffering from depression. Symptoms of PTSD can include recurring nightmares about traumatic events, hesitation to discuss them or difficulty sleeping or performing normal tasks. “Anyone can experience a mental health disorder. Being able to talk about it is extremely important and does help to eliminate stigma,” said Alfredo Aguirre, director of County Health and Human Service Agency’ (HHSA) Behavioral Health Services. “Members of the military community are not alone. There are services to help them cope with their invisible wounds of war.” Serving Those Who Serve is hosted by HHSA, in partnership with the California Mental Health Services Authority and the National Alliance on Mental Illness San Diego. Printer-friendly version
PATRICK HENRY HIGH STUDENT DIES OF MENINGITIS
February 14, 2014 (San Carlos)–A student who attended Patrick Henry High School in the San Diego Unified School District died last night of a suspected meningococcal infection, according to officials with the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA). The meningococcal bacterial infection is known to cause serious illness in children and adolescents, and can infect the blood and cause inflammation of the tissues covering the brain and the spinal cord. The student’s last day at school was Feb. 11. The time between exposure to the disease and the onset of symptoms is usually three to four days, with a range of two to 10 days. Persons who have been in close contact with the student have been notified by health officials that they should receive antibiotics to prevent the infection from developing. “Our sympathy goes out to the family of this student,” said “Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “Parents should always be alert for any signs of infection in their children that could be caused by the meningococcal bacteria. “The disease is spread through close contact with a person who has the infection and despite the death of this student; there is a low risk that anyone at the school was exposed.” This is the second case of possible meningococcal disease reported in the county in 2014 and the first death. Last year, there were 16 reported cases and three deaths. Symptoms may include fever, intense headache, lethargy, stiff neck, and a rash that does not blanch (change color) under pressure. Anyone who develops these symptoms should immediately contact a healthcare provider or go to an emergency department for evaluation of possible meningococcal disease. A vaccine is available to prevent certain strains of meningococcal disease. The vaccine is routinely recommended for adolescents 11 to 18 years old and individuals with certain medical conditions. For more information about this vaccine-preventable disease, please visit www.sdiz.or Printer-friendly version