COVID-19 Updates – Vaccines, Therapeutics and Long COVID.
The video link below is a recording of a online panel discussion about recent information:
Panelists included:
Hosted by: OC Health Care Agency, Orange County Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics – OC Chapter, California Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Physicians.
Watch Panel Discussion: https://vimeo.com/764246304
Webinar hosted on 10/25/22.
The following treatment recommendations are intended to assist Orange County providers in making COVID-19 treatment decisions.
There are multiple anti-SARS-CoV-2 products that can be used for treatment or prophylaxis of COVID-19 that have received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, providers should be aware of factors that have important implications for use of these products in patient care:
COVID-19 Therapeutics Discussion – View the link below to hear physician-lead discussion about therapeutics for OC Medical Clincians.
Recording: https://vimeo.com/714150141
Presentation Slides: https://www.aap-oc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/COVID-Therapeutics-for-OC-Clinicians-slide-deck-for-5.25.22-final.pdf
COVID-19 cases continue to be identified in Orange County. Any person with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should be tested as soon as symptoms develop. For the latest county surveillance data, visit
https://occovid19.ochealthinfo.com/coronavirus-in-oc.
Current Status of COVID-19 Variants in Orange County (Updated January 7, 2022)
Case counts for COVID-19 have been increasing exponentially in recent weeks and Omicron has become the predominant variant in Orange County. The current variant epidemiology in Orange County can be found here.
Surveillance for COVID-19 Variants in Orange County
The HCA is working with clinical laboratories and healthcare providers to assure prompt identification of suspect and confirmed variant cases. The HCA requests that clinical laboratories in Orange County submit all COVID-19 positive PCR specimens with Ct value <30 for genomic sequencing to the HCA Laboratory. Healthcare providers are particularly requested to promptly report and submit nasopharyngeal specimens to HCA for possible whole genome sequencing from any individuals with SARS-CoV-2 virus infection who meet any of the following criteria:
COVID-19 Provider Advisories (CD Health Alert)
Health Advisories from Orange County Health Care Agency for Orange County Providers can be found HERE.
COVID-19 Testing Recommendations
With the increase in case rates and increased rates of breakthrough cases, providers are recommended to test all persons who have symptoms of infection, including those who are fully vaccinated.
Additional testing guidance resources:
Monoclonal Antibody Therapy for COVID-19
Monoclonal antibody therapy can be utilized to provide high risk patients either early outpatient treatment or post-exposure prophylaxis. Additional information and resources for Orange County providers and patients can be found here.
Provider Reporting
Patients with positive results from either PCR or antigen testing are reportable to public health. Laboratories are to report both PCR and antigen positive results. Providers need to report within one business day all cases with positive antigen tests that will not be reported by laboratories.
Providers should report hospitalized patients, deaths, and any suspect or confirmed cases who are homeless or living in congregate living settings within one business day to (714) 834-8180. Clinical laboratories are routinely reporting COVID-19 positive test results to HCA.
Providers Wishing to Vaccinate Their Patients
Providers can sign up on myCAvax at https://eziz.org/covid/enrollment/ to vaccinate their staff and patients.
Sign Up to Receive Provider Advisories
California Crisis Care Continuum Guidelines for Health Care Facilities
With unprecedented surge in COVID-19 cases, the California Department of Public Health has outlined resources and expectations for all health facilities. These guidelines can be found HERE.
