The monkeypox outbreak has now been declared a global and national public health emergency. Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus, which is in the same virus family as the virus that causes smallpox.

Even though Idaho has reported fewer than 10 cases, the Department of Health and Welfare is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Administration for Strategic Preparedness & Response (ASPR), and Idaho’s local public health districts to educate Idahoans about the disease, monitor and prevent monkeypox cases, and provide vaccine and treatment.

What should you do to protect yourself?                           

Take the following steps to prevent getting monkeypox:

• Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox.
• Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with monkeypox.
• Do not kiss, hug, cuddle, or have sex with someone with monkeypox.
• Avoid contact with objects and materials that a person with monkeypox has used.
• Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with monkeypox.
• Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with monkeypox.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating, touching your face, and after you use the bathroom.
• If you think you are at high risk of getting monkeypox, talk to your doctor or contact the local public health district about possible vaccination against monkeypox infection.

How is monkeypox spread?

A person with monkeypox can spread it to others from when symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The illness typically lasts two to four weeks.

Monkeypox can spread to anyone through close, personal, skin-to-skin contact, including:

• Direct contact with monkeypox rash, scabs, or body fluids from a person with monkeypox.
• Touching objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels), and surfaces that have been used by someone with monkeypox.
• Contact with respiratory secretions.

This direct contact can happen during intimate contact, including:

• Oral, anal, and vaginal sex, or touching the genitals or anus of a person with monkeypox.
• Hugging, massage, and kissing.
• Prolonged face-to-face contact.
• Touching fabrics and objects during sex that were used by a person with monkeypox and that have not been disinfected, such as bedding, towels, fetish gear, and sex toys.

A fetus can be infected through the placenta.

It’s also possible for people to get monkeypox from infected animals, either by being scratched or bitten by the animal or by preparing or eating meat or using products from an infected animal.

Scientists are still researching:

• If the virus can be spread when someone has no symptoms.
• How often monkeypox is spread through droplets in the air, or when a person with monkeypox symptoms might be more likely to spread the virus through droplets in the air.
• Whether monkeypox can be spread through semen, vaginal fluids, urine, or feces.

Who is most at risk?

People more likely to get monkeypox include:

• People who have been exposed to a person with monkeypox, such as people living in the same household as a person with the disease
• People who had multiple sexual partners in the past two weeks in an area with known monkeypox
• People who have jobs that could expose them to the virus that causes monkeypox, such as laboratory workers who handle or test samples for monkeypox and certain healthcare or public health workers

What are the symptoms of monkeypox?

Monkeypox symptoms usually start within three weeks of exposure to the virus. If someone has flu-like symptoms, they will usually develop a rash one to four days later.

The most common symptom is a rash or sores that can look like pimples or blisters. These may be all over the body or just in certain parts, such as the face, hands, or feet, as well as on or inside the mouth, genitals, or anus.

The rash and sores can be very itchy and painful, and sores in the anus or urethra can make it hard to go to the bathroom. Some people also have flu-like symptoms, such as sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, headache, and tiredness.

People may experience all or only a few symptoms. Sometimes, people have flu-like symptoms before the rash. Some people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms. Others only experience a rash.

What should you do if you think you might have been exposed or even might be infected with monkeypox?

If you have symptoms of monkeypox, you should talk to your healthcare provider about testing, even if you don’t think you had contact with someone who has monkeypox. If you do not have a provider, contact your local public health district. There are no mass testing sites for monkeypox. Testing must be ordered by a healthcare provider.  

What is the treatment for monkeypox infection?

Antivirals are available for people with monkeypox. There are no treatments specifically for monkeypox virus infections. Because monkeypox and smallpox viruses are similar, antiviral drugs developed to protect against smallpox may be used to treat monkeypox disease.

If you have symptoms of monkeypox, you should talk to your healthcare provider about testing and possible treatment, even if you don’t think you had contact with someone who has monkeypox.

Are vaccines available in Idaho?

Yes. Vaccines have been provided to every local public health district in the state.

Idaho currently has enough vaccine to vaccinate close contacts of people with monkeypox, and in some cases can provide doses to people at high risk of exposure. If the vaccine is received soon enough after exposure, it may prevent symptoms. Idaho is following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) national vaccine strategy, which recommends vaccine for people who have been exposed to monkeypox and people who might be more likely to get monkeypox.

Do vaccines for chickenpox or shingles prevent monkeypox?

No. Although the name “chickenpox” suggests that the disease is related to monkeypox and smallpox, that is not the case. Varicella, the virus that causes chickenpox,  is in the herpes virus family, and is not related to the family of Orthopox viruses that cause smallpox and monkeypox.

Dr. Christine Hahn is Idaho’s state epidemiologist and the Division of Public Health’s medical director. She is board certified in infectious disease and works in an Idaho tuberculosis clinic twice monthly. She also serves on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

Follow the Department of Health and Welfare on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for updates and information you can trust.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov. 

National Immunization Awareness Month is observed every August to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages, and it’s a good time to check the records of everyone in your family. Being up to date on recommended immunizations is the most effective way to protect yourself and your family against serious or deadly vaccine-preventable diseases.

What vaccines do people need, and when?

Check with your doctor or visit www.immunizeidaho.com for recommended immunizations for all age groups, including adults. High immunization rates across communities protect the health of those who are most vulnerable to serious complications related to vaccine-preventable diseases, including infants and young children, the elderly, and people with chronic health conditions. High immunization rates also prevent or slow the spread of communicable diseases and can even eradicate diseases.

What types of immunizations do adults need?

Adults should get the flu vaccine every year. Adults should also stay current on their COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.

The Tdap vaccine is given one time as an adult to protect against whooping cough, also called pertussis, and tetanus and diphtheria. Women should get the Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy to protect their babies until they are old enough to start getting vaccines.

A Td booster is recommended every 10 years to renew protection against tetanus and diphtheria.

Adults aged 50 years and over are recommended to get the shingles vaccine. Other adult vaccines, such as pneumococcal vaccine, are recommended based on age, occupation, previous vaccinations, and health status.

What are the immunization requirements for students?

There are specific requirements for children attending Idaho schools to be vaccinated against diseases that spread more easily in group settings.

Contagious diseases like whooping cough and measles can spread not only at school, but also at home where there may be babies who are too young to be vaccinated. Whooping cough is particularly dangerous for babies. You can talk to your doctor about the vaccines your child needs for school attendance and read more about the school immunization requirements at www.immunizeidahoschools.com.

COVID-19 vaccines are available for children 6 months old and older.

Are there immunization requirements for college students?

College students should be up to date on their immunizations, including the flu, MMR, Tdap, meningococcal disease, and HPV vaccinations. The MMR vaccine is important because it protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.

The HPV vaccine can prevent certain types of cancer and is recommended for boys and girls starting at ages 11-12, but young adults can get the vaccine until they are 26. The meningococcal vaccine is very important for young adults, especially those who will live in residence halls or participate in sports programs to protect against meningitis. COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are recommended for college-age students.

How can I get a copy of my immunization record?

Idahoans can download the Docket® app to get a copy of the vaccines recorded in Idaho’s Immunization Reminder Information System (IRIS). For more information about how to use the Docket® app, visit https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/immunizationrecords. Use of the Docket® app is voluntary. Other ways to get immunization records are to request a copy from your health care provider or by submitting a request to Idaho Department of Health and Welfare using this link: https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/news-notices/public-records-requests.

Resources:

• Idaho Immunization Program: https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/services-programs/children-families/about-immunizations
• Find your Idaho Public Health District for back-to-school immunizations: https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/health-wellness/community-health/public-health-districts
• Vaccine and immunization resources from the Centers for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/index.html

I am excited to share that the Idaho Health Report Card is now available on the Get Healthy Idaho website.

The report card covers 10 major health indicators and their impacts on Idahoans. It shows the rate or percentage of the population affected, the trend (increasing, unchanged, or decreasing), the target and whether we have met the target, and a grade for how we compare to other states. As you hover your cursor on a computer or laptop over various parts of the report card, more context is provided. 

The health indicators being monitored are:

• Heart disease deaths
• Cancer deaths
• Unintentional injury deaths
• Suicide deaths
• Drug overdose deaths
• Obesity prevalence
• Diabetes prevalence
• Infant deaths
• Pre-term births
• Childhood immunization (this indicator is still under development)

All the published targets are “unmet.” I hope that inspires our stakeholders to take notice of this new tool. By publishing these indicators, we hope the Health Report Card drives conversations across the state about working together to gain improvements in these areas for Idahoans.

We also hope the Idaho Health Report Card helps to advance a unified approach in assessing the health of Idahoans, to identify the areas of greatest concern, and to drive action at DHW and among partners invested in supporting Idahoans to live their healthiest lives possible. 

You can read more about some of the things we’re doing to move some of these indicators to “met” in our Strategic Plan. Goal 3 in the plan is to help Idahoans become as healthy and self-sufficient as possible and addresses some of the foundational things that influence the indicators in the report card--called social determinants of health. 

See the Idaho Health Report Card: https://www.gethealthy.dhw.idaho.gov/idaho-health-report-card. Data for the indicators will be added to the report card as they become available.

I hope you have a safe and healthy weekend! 

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov. 

Idaho recently passed a grim, sad pandemic milestone. More than 5,000 Idaho residents have now died from COVID-19 related factors.

Let’s take a look at the demographics for those 5,017 deaths, which amounts to 274.6 deaths for every 100,000 Idahoans.

More men have died from COVID-19 related factors than women. Dads, brothers, husbands, uncles, and grandfathers make up 58.3 percent of all the COVID-19 related deaths, while moms, sisters, wives, aunts, and grandmothers make up 41.7 percent.

More than half of the Idahoans who have died were younger than 80, including two younger than 18; 21 who were in the 18-29 age group; 64 in the 30-39 age group; and 186 in the 40-49 age group.

Most Idahoans who died from COVID-19 related factors were white, at almost 95 percent of the COVID-19 related deaths in Idaho.

Smaller, more rural counties are hit hardest by COVID-19 related deaths. Lewis County has the highest rate of COVID-19 related deaths, at 781.7 deaths for every 100,000 people.

We seem to have hit a plateau in terms of the number of COVID-19 cases in Idaho. But there’s still a lot of disease in the state. While most people have only mild symptoms, the disease can be deadly for many. It is still important to limit your chances of getting COVID-19  by following the recommended precautions, not just for yourself, but the people around you.

We know what works to limit the spread of the disease:

• Get vaccinated and boosted. This is still the best way to protect yourself and loved ones from getting very sick or even dying.
• Wear a mask in crowded places.
• Stay home and get tested if you feel sick.
• Stay six feet apart in public.
• Stay informed.

Elke Shaw-Tulloch is the administrator of the Division of Public Health, and the state’s public health officer. She has worked for the department since 1996 and was promoted to division administrator in 2012. Since February 2020, she has focused most of her time on responding to the coronavirus pandemic. 

COVID-19 resources:

• Idaho’s Coronavirus website
• CDC COVID-19 website
• Masks are available for Idahoans: KN95 masks (one pack of 10 per household) are available for free at various locations around the state. Call the Idaho CareLine by dialing 2-1-1 or 800-926-2588 or your local public health district to find a location near you. https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/health-wellness/community-health/public-health-districts
• Free, at-home COVID-19 tests are available from the federal government at covidtests.gov. Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four free, at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days.
• Find COVID-19 and flu vaccines/boosters near you: Use vaccines.gov to find a location near you, then call or visit their website to make an appointment. 

Follow the Department of Health and Welfare on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for updates and information you can trust.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov. 

I am very pleased to announce the completion of our new five-year Strategic Plan.

We will continue working toward the same four goals we pledged in our previous Strategic Plan because those goals are still relevant:

• Goal 1: Ensure affordable, available healthcare that works
• Goal 2: Protect children, youth, and vulnerable adults
• Goal 3: Help Idahoans become as healthy and self-sufficient as possible
• Goal 4: Strengthen the public’s trust and confidence in the Department of Health and Welfare

The plan guides the work done every day by dedicated staff throughout the department. We are focusing on the big ideas we will be turning into reality over the next five years. Our plan helps the department organize and continue transformative, long-term work as we also face day-to-day demands and challenges.

This year, we continued our efforts to write in plain language as part of our ongoing effort to communicate clearly with the public about how we serve Idahoans. This Strategic Plan also features important advances in two key areas: work to prevent adverse outcomes, and strategic work to overcome the current shortage of healthcare workers.

Strategic objectives involving work by several divisions to help people be physically and mentally healthier

• Conditions in the places where people live, learn, work, and play (known by some as the social determinants of health) contribute to preventable differences in disease, injury, violence, and opportunities to be healthy for different groups of people in Idaho.
  • Strategic Objective 3.2: Address health disparities in Idaho communities by implementing three strategies that focus on the social determinants of health by June 30, 2025.
  • This objective involves work by teams in the divisions of Public Health, Medicaid, and Welfare.
• Trauma experienced during childhood severely increases the likelihood of poor physical and mental health throughout life.
  • Strategic Objective 3.3: Prevent or reduce the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences across the lifespan of Idahoans by creating a coordinated DHW program delivery framework by June 30, 2025.
  • This objective involves work by teams in the divisions of Public Health, Medicaid, Family and Community Services, Behavioral Health, and Welfare.

Strategic objectives to address the healthcare workforce shortage

• Idahoans in some areas of the state may not have access to needed healthcare services because of healthcare workforce shortages and limited access.
  • Strategic Objective 1.1: Develop and implement four cross-divisional initiatives to help reduce healthcare workforce shortages by Dec. 31, 2024.
  • This objective involves work by teams in the divisions of Public Health, Behavioral Health, and Medicaid.
• Economic pressure is making it tough to hire and retain employees, which can negatively impact services to customers.
  • Strategic Objective 3.4 (New for the 2023–2027 Strategic Plan): Reduce the department’s employee voluntary turnover rate from 21.7 percent to 14 percent by June 30, 2026.

You can read more about each of these objectives, as well as the updates to the other strategic objectives, in the plan on the DHW website. Also, throughout the year, I will regularly post updates in this blog to keep you informed about the progress we are making toward our mission of strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans.

I hope you have a safe and healthy weekend! 

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov. 

Wildfire smoke can cause irritating symptoms for healthy people. It can cause more serious health issues for people with respiratory problems and heart and lung disease. It's important to know how to protect yourself and your family from smoky air whenever possible.

Who is most at risk for the harmful effects of smoke?

Infants and young children suffer more from the effects of smoke because they breathe more air than adults for their body size. Older adults and people with lung and heart conditions are also very sensitive to smoke in the air. Even low levels of smoke can cause breathing problems for sensitive groups with asthma, COPD, emphysema, and other chronic lung diseases. Smoke also can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke for people with chronic heart conditions and can increase the risk of premature birth in pregnant women.

When should we become concerned about the symptoms of smoke exposure? 

Smoke can cause your eyes, nose, and throat to be irritated. You should call your doctor right away if you have shortness of breath, chest pain or tightness, headaches, fatigue, or a combination of those symptoms that become severe.

What if I have an event outside or my child has a game we can't miss, and the air quality is low?

Visit the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality's air quality website or the Idaho Smoke Information Blog to check local smoke conditions. You can also download the AIR Idaho app on your mobile device for smoke conditions in your area. The Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) also provides activity guidelines for outdoor events and other resources to help determine your risk level.

If an outdoor event isn't canceled when it’s smoky, drink plenty of water and do your best to limit time outside. If smoke-related symptoms become difficult or get a lot worse, move indoors. Your family's health is more important than a sporting event.

Should we consider wearing masks when conditions are poor?

While the most effective way to protect yourself from smoke is to stay indoors, we recognize this is not always possible. People who must be outside in the smoky air may benefit from wearing particulate respirators or N95 respirators. Respirator masks worn correctly may provide protection by filtering out fine particles in the smoke. Even so, many people find it difficult to wear a mask correctly. If a mask does not fit properly, it will provide little or no protection. Masks also can make it harder to breathe normally for some people. It is a good idea to check with your healthcare provider before using a mask. 

How can we limit our exposure to smoke?

When conditions are poor, you should reduce your time and activities outside as much as possible. Stay indoors, in an air-conditioned area, if you can. If you don't have air conditioning, go someplace that does, like the mall or library. Otherwise, there are several things you can do to limit the smoky air you breathe:

• Keep your windows and doors closed.
• If you have central air conditioning, use an air filter rated MERV 8 or higher and turn the system fan on.
• If you must drive in smoky areas, keep all windows closed and turn the vehicle airflow to recirculate to reduce the amount of smoke in the vehicle. Use caution and drive slowly in smoky conditions.
• Do not add to smoky conditions by burning candles, using propane or wood-burning stoves or aerosol sprays, smoking tobacco products, or vacuuming. All of these and more can increase air pollution indoors.
• Change air-conditioning filters more frequently when the air is smoky.
• Use portable air cleaners to reduce indoor air pollution.
• Pay attention to local air quality reports and health warnings.

Where do I go for more information?

The resources listed below provide up-to-date information on smoke conditions and tips on how to stay healthy during wildfire smoke events:

• Idaho Health and Welfare Wildfire Smoke
• Guide for Staying Healthy During Wildfire Smoke
• AirNow
• Idaho Smoke Information
• Idaho DEQ Air Quality Information
• Wildfire Smoke and Face Masks

Brigitta Gruenberg is the Environmental Health Program manager in the Division of Public Health.  

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening Idahoans' health, safety, and independence. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov.

Note: Sen. Fred S. Martin is the chairman of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee, a member of the Board of Health and Welfare, and a champion for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Sen. Martin is our guest blogger this week, while Director Dave Jeppesen is on vacation.  

Many in Idaho (including myself) and in Washington D.C. (including Sen. Mike Crapo) have worked hard for years to have a three-digit number (like 911) for mental health and suicide prevention. We now have 988.

Suicide prevention is a critical need in our nation and in Idaho. Since 2008, suicide has ranked as the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. Suicide claimed the lives of more than 44,000 Americans in 2020.

I serve on the board for the Idaho Council on Suicide Prevention. During my time on that board I have secured ongoing funding for the Idaho Suicide Hotline. The Department of Health and Welfare has a major state mission to lower suicides in Idaho. As part of this, Idaho teachers are to be trained each fall so they can recognize when students might be thinking about suicide, and 988 in Idaho will get you to a trained behavioral health professional.

One death by suicide is one too many. Our goal is zero suicides in Idaho.

The 988 service takes effect July 16, 2022.

The goals of 988

• Provide behavioral and mental health support to those experiencing crisis
• Connect people to supportive resources
• Connect people with trained crisis personnel
• Reduce the stigma of behavioral and mental health needs
• Reduce the strain on our hospital system, law enforcement, and the criminal justice system

In August 2019 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in consultation with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Department of Veteran Affairs, and the North American Numbering Council, released a report recommending the use of 988 as the three-digit code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. In July 2020, the FCC adopted rules designating this new phone number for individuals in crisis to connect with suicide prevention and mental health crisis counselors. In November 2021, the FCC adopted rules to expand access to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by establishing the ability to text 988 to directly reach the lifeline to better support at-risk communities in crisis, including youth and individuals with disabilities.

Resolution by the Idaho Legislature 

Be It Resolved:

WHEREAS, on October 17, 2020, the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020 was signed into Law; and

WHEREAS, the act designated 988 as the universal telephone number for the national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline system currently operating through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the Veterans Crisis Line; and

WHEREAS, the Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline is part of the existing network of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and currently receives calls from individuals dialing (800) 273-TALK; and

WHEREAS, as of 2019, Idaho's suicide rate is 41% higher than the national rate; and

WHEREAS, to prevent suicide, it is critical to transition the existing ten-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number, (800) 273-TALK, to a universal, three-digit phone number and to connect people with life-saving resources; and

WHEREAS, the Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline will experience an increased call volume when 988 goes live in July 2022 and becomes the equivalent of 911 for suicide and mental health crises; and

WHEREAS, Idaho has a shortage of mental health providers and primary care providers, making access to a 24/7 mental health and suicide prevention25hotline vitally important; and

WHEREAS, suicide prevention and mental health support delivered by a crisis hotline helps Idahoans de-escalate and stay safe, thereby avoiding unnecessary and costly trips to hospital emergency departments and decreasing dispatch of police, emergency medical services, or fire department services; and

WHEREAS, 988 will improve access to mental health support for all Idahoans, especially those in rural communities with few health care providers;

WHEREAS, promotion of 988 will help raise awareness of mental health and suicide prevention and decrease stigma associated with asking for help.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the members of the First Regular Session of the Sixty-sixth Idaho Legislature, the House of Representatives and the Senate concurring therein, that the Legislature recognizes 988 as the universal mental health and suicide prevention crisis phone number, effective July 2022.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov. 

For most people, the COVID-19 vaccine offers the most consistent protection from severe disease associated with COVID-19., However, for those who can’t get the vaccine or who aren’t able to develop a strong immune response from the vaccine because they have a weakened immune system, a medicine called Evusheld may be an option.

What is Evusheld?

Evusheld is a medicine that contains antibodies. These antibodies can help prevent COVID-19 in people who don’t have a strong immune system. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an emergency use authorization to make it available during the pandemic, and they recently changed the authorization to allow for additional doses.

How long will it provide protection against COVID-19 infection?

The additional protection lasts for as long as six months. Evusheld is given before a person is exposed or tests positive to help prevent COVID-19 infection. Evusheld is not used to treat COVID-19 symptoms.

Can I get Evusheld instead of the COVID-19 vaccine?

Unless you have a health-related reason you shouldn’t get the vaccine, you are still recommended to get the vaccine followed by Evusheld at least two weeks after vaccination. The vaccine is expected to build some natural immunity even in those with weakened immune systems. Evusheld is not a substitute for COVID-19 vaccination, because it doesn’t build any natural immunity in the body.

Who is eligible to get it?

You may be eligible for Evusheld if you are moderately or severely immunocompromised or have a history of severe allergic reactions to COVID-19 vaccines, and you meet the following criteria:

• You do not currently have COVID-19
• You have not recently had close contact with someone with COVID-19
• You are an adult or adolescent ages 12 years and older weighing at least 88 pounds

Your healthcare provider will decide if you are eligible for Evusheld and will help you get it if you are. It requires a prescription. Talk to your healthcare provider about whether you should get Evusheld in addition to COVID-19 vaccination.

Is this a shot or a pill, and how often does a person need to get it to be effective?

Evusheld is a combination of two antibodies, given as two shots on the same day. Based on what we know about current SARS-CoV-2 variants, you might need to receive additional doses of Evusheld every six months if ongoing protection is needed.

Your healthcare provider will monitor you for allergic reactions for at least one hour after you receive Evusheld.

Dr. Christine Hahn is Idaho’s state epidemiologist and the Division of Public Health’s medical director. She is board certified in infectious disease and works in an Idaho tuberculosis clinic twice monthly. She also serves on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, and since late February 2020, has been focusing almost solely on responding to the coronavirus pandemic.

COVID-19 resources:

• Evusheld fact sheet
• Idaho’s Coronavirus website
• CDC COVID-19 website
• Masks are available for Idahoans: KN95 masks (one pack of 10 per household) are available for free at various locations around the state. Call the Idaho CareLine by dialing 2-1-1 or 800-926-2588 or your local public health district to find a location near you. https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/health-wellness/community-health/public-health-districts
• Free, at-home COVID-19 tests are available from the federal government at covidtests.gov. Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four free, at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days.
• Find COVID-19 and flu vaccines/boosters near you: Use vaccines.gov to find a location near you, then call or visit their website to make an appointment. 

Follow the Department of Health and Welfare on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for updates and information you can trust.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov. 

I recently sat down and thought hard about something I didn’t really want to think about – how I would want to be cared for if I were too sick or injured to speak for myself. It’s difficult to think about that. But it would be even more difficult if I were incapacitated.

The Idaho Healthcare Directive Registry was transferred from the Secretary of State to the Department of Health and Welfare. The secure, cloud-based system allows you to upload your existing directive, create a new directive, and/or share your advance directive for free.  The Department of Health and Welfare’s Advance Directives and Registry Services has several free and available resources to help you create your own advance directive.

For those who may not know, an advance directive is a written plan that helps your loved ones and healthcare providers make decisions about your care when you can’t. The advance directive gives them directions about the care you want or don’t want. This worksheet may help you think through your advance directive decisions.

An advance directive can be revoked at any time and a new one can be created at any time. It must be signed by you, but it does not need to be notarized or signed by a medical provider.

The Idaho Advance Directive includes two parts:

• Idaho Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare, a legal document that allows you to name a person who will speak on your behalf if you are not able.
• Living will, which allows you to make choices about life-sustaining medical treatments you do or don’t want during a medical crisis or at the end of your life.

Take the time to think through what you would want in a crisis or end-of-life situation, and talk about it with people close to you who would be making those critical decisions for you. Writing down what you want will help you and your loved ones feel more prepared if you can’t speak for yourself.

I feel secure in the knowledge that my wishes will be followed if I am unable to speak for myself. The peace of mind is worth the discomfort of having that conversation with your loved ones.

You can learn more about the Advance Directives and Registry Services on the DHW website.

I hope you have a safe and healthy weekend!                 

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov. 

Idahoans now have a simple, secure way to see their immunization records on their mobile devices if they choose. It’s secure, easy to use, and very convenient when you need to provide your or your children’s immunization records for travel, or for registration for child care or school.

Docket is an application available in mobile app stores that searches Idaho’s Immunization Reminder Information System (IRIS) using name, date of birth, and sex to display immunization records on a mobile device. Phone number verification is required.

The app displays vaccination history to anyone with a record in IRIS whose access has been authenticated through the app.

Who can use Docket?

Anyone at least 18 years of age with a vaccine record in IRIS can use the Docket® app to review their own immunization records or to review the immunization records of someone for whom they are the parent/legal guardian or authorized personal representative, usually for a minor child or vulnerable adult.

What data are stored in Docket?

The data are the same as what is contained in IRIS, which is Idaho’s secure, statewide immunization information system. Data include limited demographic information such as your name and phone number, details about what vaccines have been received and when.  

Based on algorithms in IRIS, previous vaccine administration dates are used to predict whether additional vaccines are due. A patient should always check with their health care provider before receiving additional vaccines.

Docket users can delete their search history in the app, which deletes the corresponding records from Docket. Users can also delete their Docket accounts, which deletes everything associated with the user’s Docket account, but does not impact their records in IRIS.

Is my personal data secure? Who can access my data?

Your personal and health data are securely stored and securely transmitted. Access is only allowed to someone who has verified they have the legal authority to access a specific immunization record.

Will I be able to access my complete vaccination history?

The app displays all your immunization records that are entered into IRIS by your healthcare or vaccine provider(s). This may be the complete history, but there may be missing records in some cases. There are various reasons why your complete immunization history may not be in IRIS (vaccines received many years ago from previous providers or from providers in another state); please check with your healthcare provider(s) if your record is not up to date.

If you have received vaccines in other states, they may not show up on this app because those out-of-state records have not been entered into IRIS by your healthcare provider.

Is the app required if I want to see my immunization records?

No, but it can make accessing your immunization record simple and convenient. The Docket app provides secure and easy access to your immunization information. Other ways to get this information include making a request to your or your child’s healthcare provider(s), or by submitting a Record Request to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. 

Can I use this as a vaccine passport?

The Docket app is not a vaccine passport, but it does provide a QR code for COVID-19 vaccinations that may be required for some travel or out-of-state events

How do I sign up?

To get started, download the free app by searching for “Docket” on the Apple App Store or Google Play. Or go to Docket® to download the app.

Resources

• Immunization records
• About immunizations

Sarah Leeds is the manager of the Idaho Immunization Program in the Division of Public Health.

Follow the Department of Health and Welfare on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for updates and information you can trust.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov.