Public Health Advisories & Notices

Recent advisories and notices from public health agencies and/or other organizations to help promote awareness among all health care providers.

Register for CPDH Webinar on 10/16 to Learn About VFC Enrollment and Get Drug at No Cost

The California Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program will soon make available federally purchased nirsevimab (Beyfortus™) at no cost to enrolled sites, including birth or neonatal care hospitals.

California hospitals that serve infants eligible for VFC vaccines, including who are uninsured or covered by Medi-Cal, are encouraged to enroll in the VFC Program. Participating in the VFP Program can help hospitals save substantial costs – including for nirsevimab, which has a list price of $495 per infant dose.

Don't miss out: Register for webinar on 10/16!

To learn more about enrolling in the VFC Program and get updates on nirsevimab, birthing and pediatric hospitals are encouraged to join the California Department of Public Heath (CDPH) this coming Monday, October 16, 2023, from
12 - 1 p.m.

Register for the webinar

How nirsevimab can help infants

Nirsevimab is a long-acting monoclonal antibody that prevents severe disease from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infants, which has caused up to 80,000 hospitalizations and 300 deaths per year. It has shown to be highly effective in preventing hospitalization for RSV in clinical trials.

For more information, refer to CDPH’s letter from October 6, 2023.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a notice that the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has updated guidance on screening for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in adults. Tuberculosis (TB) incidence in California continues to be higher than in the rest of the country, causing pain and death even though it is preventable. Therefore, USPSTF recommends screening for LTBI in asymptomatic adults ages 18 and older to stop new cases of active TB.

Who to test for LTBI

USPSTF recommends testing for TB infection in:

  • Asymptomatic adults with risk factors. This includes births or those who live in countries with high TB rates.
  • Persons who have lived in high-risk congregate settings.
  • Close contact or immunosuppressed persons should also be tested for TB infection by public health programs or by clinical standards of care.

What tests are effective

Instead of using the TB skin test, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that the interferon release assays (IGRA) should be given to test adults. The IGRA offers increased specificity, single blood draw and requires no return visit to read the test.

LTBI treatments available

There is no effective vaccine against LTBI. The Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine doesn't offer lifetime protection. The best tool to date is diagnosing and treating LTBI. The USPSTF evidence summary suggest:

  • Treating LTBI with 3–4 month rifamycin-based therapies instead of isoniazid monotherapy.
  • Isoniazid monotherapy is associated with poor completion rates and higher rates of liver damage.

Questions?

Please contact CDPH TB Control Branch at TBCB@cdph.ca.gov with any questions.

Resources with additional information

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a news release on August 1, 2023, about the possible increased risk for Valley fever in California. CDPH has designated August as Valley Fever Awareness Month due to higher rates of infection that occur during the summer and fall months.

California locations with highest rates of infection

The highest rates of Valley fever are found in Central Valley and Central Coast regions. This includes Kern, Kings, San Luis Obispo, Fresno, Tulare, Madera and Monterey counties. Increased rates of the fever have recently occurred in other regions, such as Northern San Joaquin Valley and Southern California.

Prolonged respiratory symptoms

Valley fever affects the lungs. Symptoms can last a month or more and include:

  • Cough
  • Fever
  • Chest pain
  • Fatigue or tiredness

Laboratory tests are needed to determine whether a patient has contracted Valley fever instead of another respiratory disease (including COVID-19). If Valley fever is diagnosed, determine if treatment is needed.

Resources with additional information