COVID-19

17 December

Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic on Veterinary Worker Health and Wellbeing

wsvma   |   COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has had many unforeseen impacts on the veterinary industry. The Center for One Health Research (COHR) at the University of Washington is conducting a research study to better understand how these impacts have affected the health of veterinarians and other workers in the field. Findings from this study will provide insights to improve the safety and wellbeing of people working in veterinary clinics and inform recommendations to protect veterinary medicine workers in the event of a state...

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03 December

State launches new Digital COVID-19 Verification Record system

wsvma   |   COVID-19

As the need for COVID-19 vaccine verification increases across the state, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has launched a new Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record system, WA Verify. The system actually rolled out in October but the site immediately became unavailable. Currently, there are several forms of proof people can use to verify their vaccination status: Original, copy, or photo of your CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card Verified electronic medical record printout from your medical provider Your record from the...

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03 December

AVMA campaign encourages COVID-19 vaccinations for staff, animal owners, and the public

wsvma   |   COVID-19, Practice Management

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) last week launched a nationwide education and awareness campaign to encourage veterinary teams, their clients and the general public to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The effort was encouraged by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as the agency recognized the key role veterinarians play in society and public health. "Veterinary medicine has a clear public health mission," Dr. Arce, AVMA President, noted. "In fact, when we take our Oath, we specifically commit to...

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17 September

Pacific Northwest Veterinary Conference News – Board of Governors extends COVID-19 CE policy for non-live CE

wsvma   |   Continuing Education, COVID-19, State Regulatory, WSVMA News

At the start of the pandemic, the Veterinary Board of Governors approved the COVID-related policy allowing an unlimited number of non-live CE programs to count towards CE credit. At their Sept. 13, 2021 meeting, the Board approved a change to the policy that extends the allowance until 90 days after the Governor’s emergency order is rescinded. As you plan ahead to get your CE credits, consider attending the Pacific Northwest Veterinary Conference. Don’t miss out on 150+ hours of high-caliber veterinary...

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27 August

WA pharmacists advised on filling prescriptions for ivermectin

wsvma   |   COVID-19, Professional News

The Washington Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission (PQAC) sent out a communication to pharmacists this week with a reminder that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved ivermectin for use in treating or preventing COVID-19 in humans and it has not been proven safe or effective for this indication. PQAC advised pharmacists receiving prescriptions for ivermectin for the treatment of prevention of COVID-19 should use their professional judgment in determining whether to fill them and if they have...

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20 August

New Washington mask mandate

wsvma   |   COVID-19, State Regulatory

This week, the Washington State Department of Health amended Order 20-03 requiring face masks for everyone over five years of age in most public indoor settings regardless of vaccination status. These include places like grocery stores, malls, gyms, and community centers. Masks are strongly recommended in crowded outdoor settings like sporting events, fairs, and concerts where physical distancing is not possible. The updated order goes into effect on Monday, Aug. 23. The order reflects the recommendations of all 35 local health officers...

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11 August

Gov Inslee’s vaccine mandate does not apply to veterinarians and their teams

wsvma   |   COVID-19

Gov. Jay Inslee announced a requirement for workers in private health care and long-term care settings to be fully vaccinated with a recommended COVID-19 vaccine by October 18, 2021. The proclamation also includes most state workers, contractors, and volunteers. The governor’s Proclamation 21-14 COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement for health care workers does NOT apply to veterinary healthcare settings, animal care and control agencies, or humane societies. However, as COVID-19 cases rise significantly across Washington, we hope that all members of the veterinary...

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30 July

COVID-19 cases increasing across the state – what you need to know

wsvma   |   COVID-19

The latest COVID-19 report from the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) shows a new surge: cases are increasing in the state as the Delta variant becomes more widespread. DOH advises that as cases stemming from the Delta variant rise, anyone who has signs or symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested, regardless of vaccination status or prior infection. The data, which was released Wednesday, shows that between February and June, over 97% of COVID-19 cases were among those not fully vaccinated,...

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16 July

WSVMA extends member benefit for coaching, career counseling and support

wsvma   |   COVID-19, Wellness

The WSVMA is extending the personal- and professional support member benefit originally established last year to support WSVMA members in navigating COVID-19-related stressors. Dr. Carrie La Jeunesse, DVM, CT, CFE is offering discounted 50-minute coaching, career counseling, and personal/professional support sessions tailored to individual WSVMA members. Sessions are first-come, first served. Discounted fees are on a sliding scale of $65 to $95 per hour. Individuals may choose the fee that best fits their current personal financial circumstances; that fee will be...

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01 July

Washington has reopened from COVID-19 restrictions – Now what?

wsvma   |   COVID-19

After 15 months of COVID-19 restrictions, Gov. Inslee relaxed statewide COVID-19 restrictions that have kept everyone limited in where we go, who we see, and how we gather. The impact has had a profound effect on veterinary clinics. As we wrestle with going back to more normal operations, it’s easy to see that making the shift to reopening isn’t as simple as flipping a switch. To assist veterinary clinics in their reopening plans, the WSVMA is releasing an updated guide, “A...

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