Shoreline

ICHS Bắt đầu Tiêm Thuốc chủng ngừa Johnson & Johnson COVID-19

Posted on by Theo Bickel
Vy Hà được tiêm vắc xin Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 một liều tại Phòng khám Shoreline của Dịch vụ Y tế Cộng đồng Quốc tế vào Thứ Ba.

Vy Hà đã rất mong được trở lại cảm giác bình thường như gặp lại gia đình và trở lại văn phòng làm việc.

Vào ngày 9 tháng 3, Hà đến hẹn tiêm vắc-xin COVID-19 tại Phòng khám Shoreline của Dịch vụ Y tế Cộng đồng Quốc tế (ICHS). Đây là ngày đầu tiên ICHS sử dụng vắc xin Johnson & Johnson (J&J) mới được cho phép.

Sự xuất hiện của vắc-xin J&J đồng nghĩa với việc nhiều vắc-xin được cung cấp  hơn. Các tính năng của nó cũng là một tin lớn đối với các chuyên viên y tế, khi chỉ cần tiêmmột liều và các yêu cầu bảo quản dễ dàng hơn. Dữ liệu lâm sàng về vắc-xin J&J đã mang lại nhiều câu hỏi khi mọi người cố gắng so sánh vắc-xin để quyết định loại vắc-xin nào tốt nhất cho họ.

Hà cho biết cô cảm thấy “không cần kén chọn” về bất cứ loại vắc xin nào cô nhận được. Cuối cùng thì đây là cơ hội để cô bảo vệ gia đình mình và giúp ngăn chặn sự lây lan của COVID-19. “Điều này dựa trên cơ sở khoa học,” Hà nói, “Vì vậy, cá nhân tôi cảm thấy tự tin về nó. Năm nào tôi cũng tiêm phòng cúm nên cần không đặt trước.

Quyền lựa chọn thứ ba

Paul Nguyen
Paul Nguyễn, chuẩn bị một liều vắc xin Johnson & Johnson COVID-19.

Việc triển khai vắc-xin COVID-19 ở WA đã được mở rộng. Tính đến ngày 9 tháng 3, hơn hai triệu liều vắc-xin đã được phân phối tại WA và hiện chúng tôi đang vượt mục tiêu của DOH là 45.000 lần tiêm chủng mỗi ngày.

Mùa hè năm ngoái, có vẻ như một loại vắc-xin COVID-19 hiệu quả sẽ còn phải chờ nhiều năm nữa. Nhưng giờ đây, sau những nỗ lực kết hợp của các chuyên gia y tế và hàng chục nghìn tình nguyện viên, Hoa Kỳ hiện có ba loại vắc xin hiệu quả cao để ngăn chặn sự lây lan của dịch bệnh: Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer và Moderna.

Vắc xin J&J là loại vắc xin gần đây nhất được phê duyệt. Các thử nghiệm lâm sàng vắc xin đã được Cơ quan Quản lý Dược phẩm Liên bang xem xét và phê duyệt vào ngày 27 tháng 2. Sau đó Nhóm công tác Đánh giá An toàn Khoa học các Bang miền Tây đã xem xét và cho phép vào ngày 3 tháng 3. Trong số 44.000 bệnh nhân tham gia thử nghiệm vắc xin J&J, không ai trong số họ phải nhập viện vì COVID-19.

Các kết quả lâm sàng khả quan làm hài lòng Lakshmi Deepa Yerram, MD, giám đốc y tế ICHS. “Khả năng của vắc xin J&J trong việc ngăn ngừa bệnh nặng, nhập viện và tử vong,” “có thể so sánh với vắc xin Pfizer và Moderna.” Yerram nói.  Cô mô tả loại vắc xin thứ ba bổ sung thêm công cụ trong kho vũ khí để chống lại đại dịch COVID-19.

Các câu hỏi và sự hủy bỏ hẹn

Paul Nguyen, người giám sát phòng thuốc tây của ICHS Shoreline, đã tiêm vắc xin COVID-19 kể từ tháng Giêng.  Anh là người tiêm vắc-xin vào ngày 9 tháng 3 và đã nói chuyện với những bệnh nhân từ chối vắc-xin J&J

Nguyễn chia sẻ: “Một trong những điều đã nảy sinh là sự lưỡng lự của bệnh nhân khi nói đến tỷ lệ hiệu quả so với thuốc chủng ngừa Moderna và Pfizer.”

Các thuốc chủng ngừa Moderna và Pfizer có vẻ như cung cấp khả năng bảo vệ tốt hơn chống lại COVID-19 khi chỉ xem xét dữ liệu thu thập được trong các thử nghiệm lâm sàng tại Hoa Kỳ. Johnson & Johnson đạt hiệu quả 72% so với hiệu quả khoảng 95% của hai loại còn lại.

Từ những con số này đối với một số bệnh nhân có hẹn tiêm vắc-xin, họ suy ra rằng vắc-xin J&J kém hơn. Nhiều người đã đặt câu hỏi cho Nguyên. Một số bệnh nhân đã hủy bỏ cuộc hẹn của họ.

Tuy nhiên, những con số hiệu quả đó không nói lên toàn bộ câu chuyện. Tất cả các loại vắc xin đều được thử nghiệm khác nhau và sử dụng các mục tiêu khác nhau để xác định hiệu quả, khiến cho việc so sánh gần như không thể thực hiện được, Nguyen giải thích. Các loại vắc-xin cũng được thử nghiệm vào các thời điểm khác nhau trong đại dịch. Nguyễn cho biết: “Thật giống như so sánh trái táo với trái cam.

Cả ba loại vắc-xin đều có hiệu quả 100% cho điều quan trọng nhất – ngăn ngừa tử vong, bệnh nặng và nhập viện.

“Tôi đã chờ đợi vắc xin J&J”

Kathleen Vasen ICHS vaccine recipient
Kathleen Vasen đã chờ đợi vắc-xin Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 một liều.

Kathleen Vasen, một nhân viên y tế đã nghỉ hưu, rất vui khi cuối cùng đã được tiêm vắc xin. “Tôi đã chờ đợi vắc-xin J&J,” Vasen giải thích, “Một vì đó là vắc-xin một mũi và hai là vì cách sản xuất nó giống với cách tiêm vắc-xin cúm và v.v. “đã không bao giờ có vấn đề.”

Dự kiến sẽ có một thành viên mới trong gia đình vào tháng tới , Vasen cho biết việc tiêm vắc-xin J&J một liều có nghĩa là bà sẽ được bảo vệ “đúng thời điẻm” ở đó để “nhìn và ôm cháu trai mới của tôi”.

Loại vắc-xin một mũi này rất thú vị đối với Yerram. Tuy nhiên, bà nói rằng loại vắc xin tốt nhất là loại có sẵn cho bạn vì tất cả các loại vắc xin đều cực kỳ hiệu quả khi ngăn ngừa các trường hợp nghiêm trọng và tử vong do COVID-19.

Các chuyên gia y tế lo ngại về sự lây lan của các biến thể mới của COVID-19, có khả năng lây nhiễm cao hơn và có khả năng dẫn đến một sự gia tăng các ca bệnh khác. Nhận được “sự bảo vệ đầy đủ sớm hơn” sẽ bảo vệ bạn và những người xung quanh bạn. “Vui lòng chủng ngừa càng sớm càng tốt, với bất kỳ thuốc hiệu nào có sẵn cho bạn,” Yerram nói.

 

Để tìm hiểu xem bạn hiện có đủ điều kiện để nhận vắc xin hay không, hãy sử dụng Công cụ Tìm tới lượt mình qua Phase Finder của DOH. Nó có dịch sẵn bằng nhiều ngôn ngữ: https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/COVID19

Để tìm hiểu thêm về vắc xin COVID-19 và cách đặt lịch hẹn, vui lòng truy cập: https://www.ichs.com/covid-19-vaccine-update/

ICHS Begins Administering Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine

Posted on by Theo Bickel
Vy Ha, ICHS Vaccine Recipient
Vy Ha gets a one-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine at the International Community Health Services Shoreline Clinic on Tuesday.

Vy Ha has been looking forward to getting back to a sense of normalcy like seeing her family and being back in the office.

On March 9, Ha arrived for her COVID-19 vaccine appointment at International Community Health Services (ICHS) Shoreline Clinic. It was ICHS’s first day administering the recently authorized Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine.

The arrival of J&J vaccine means more vaccine supply. Its features have also been big news for health professionals, having to require only one-dose and having easier storage requirements. Clinical data on the J&J vaccine has brought questions as people have tried to compare vaccines to decide which is ‘best’ for them.

Ha said she felt ‘neutral’ about which vaccine she received. After all, this was her opportunity to protect her family and help prevent the spread of COVID-19. “This is based on science,” says Ha, “So, I personally feel confident about it. I do a yearly flu shot every year, so I don’t have reservations.”

The third option

The COVID-19 vaccine rollout in WA has been expanding. As of March 9, over two million vaccine doses have been delivered in WA and we are now exceeding the DOH goal of 45,000 vaccinations a day. (DOH)

Last summer, it seemed that an effective COVID-19 vaccine would be years away. But now, after the combined efforts of health professionals and tens of thousands of volunteers, the U.S. now has three highly effective vaccines to stop the spread of the disease: Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, and Moderna.

The J&J vaccine is the most recent to be approved. The vaccine clinical trials were reviewed and approved by the Federal Drug Administration on February 27. Then the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup reviewed and authorized it on March 3. Of the 44,000 patients who joined the J&J vaccine trials, none of them were hospitalized from COVID-19.

The positive clinical results pleased Lakshmi Deepa Yerram, MD, ICHS medical director. “The J&J vaccine’s ability in preventing severe disease, hospitalization, and death,” Yerram said, “is comparable to the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.” She described the third vaccine as adding more tools in the arsenal against fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

Questions and cancellations

Paul Nguyen
Paul Nguyen, preparing a dose of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.

Paul Nguyen, ICHS Shoreline Clinic pharmacist supervisor, has been administering COVID-19 vaccines since January. He was the one administering vaccines on March 9 and spoke to patients who refused the J&J vaccine.

“One of the things that has come up,” shares Nguyen, “is patients’ hesitancy when it comes to efficacy rate compared to the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines.”

The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines appear to offer better protection against COVID-19 when just looking at the data collected during U.S. clinical trials. The Johnson & Johnson reached a 72% effectiveness compared to the roughly 95% effectiveness of the other two.

For some vaccine patients, these numbers infer that the J&J vaccine is inferior. Many had questions for Nguyen. Some patients cancelled their appointments.

However, those effectiveness numbers do not tell the whole story. All the vaccines were tested differently and used different goal posts to determine effectiveness, making comparisons nearly impossible, Nguyen explained. The vaccines were also tested at different times in the pandemic. “It’s kind of comparing apples to oranges,” Nguyen said.

All three vaccines are 100% effective in the way that matters most – preventing death, serious illness and hospitalization.

“I’ve been waiting for the J&J vaccine”

 

Kathleen Vasen ICHS vaccine recipient
Kathleen Vasen has been waiting for the one-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.

Kathleen Vasen, a retired health worker, was pleased to finally be vaccinated. “I’ve been waiting for the J&J vaccine,” Vasen explained, “One because it’s a one-shot vaccine and two, because of the way that it’s manufactured is the same as what is done for flu shots and so forth of which I’ve never had an issue.”

With a new family member expected next month, Vasen said having the one-dose J&J vaccine means she will be protected in “just the right amount of time” to be there to “see and hold my new grandson.”

This one-shot vaccine is exciting for Yerram. However, she said that the best vaccine is the one that is available to you because all vaccines are extremely effective when it comes to preventing severe and fatal cases of COVID-19.

Health experts are concerned over the spread of new variants of COVID-19, being more infectious and potentially leading to another surge in cases. Getting “sufficient protection sooner” protects you and the people around you. “Please get the vaccine as soon as possible, and any brand that is available to you,” Yerram said.

 

To find out if you currently qualify to receive the vaccine, use the DOH PhaseFinder. It is available in multiple languages here: https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/COVID19

To learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and how to make an appointment please visit: https://www.ichs.com/covid-19-vaccine-update/

Melinda Greensweig

Location:

Shoreline

Language:

English

Medical Degree:

MSN

Education:

University of Indianapolis

Certification:

FNP-C

Why I Work at ICHS:

I wanted to work at a federally qualified health center which aligned with my values and passion as a provider. I view health as not only physical, but mental and social and I value ICHS’s approach to address the social determinants of health in a patient-centered medical home. I chose to do a residency at ICHS because I believe that providers must have time to master a vast body of knowledge and integrate evidence-based medicine into their clinical practice.

Patient Care Philosophy:

Five heads are better than one. I believe integrating a collaborative care approach to patient care improves outcomes. As a new provider, I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from other providers and specialists. Everyone is entitled to quality health care and my goal is to learn and grow so that I can deliver the best care possible to my patients.

Interesting Note About Myself:

I have lived in three countries (China, Israel, US), and seven states (Arizona, California, Connecticut, Indiana, Michigan, New York, Washington).

Emily Biddulph

Location:

Shoreline

Language:

English, some Spanish

Medical Degree:

DNP-FNP, MSN-PNP

Education:

University of Washington (DNP, Family Practice)
State University of New York (MSN, Child Health)
University of Illinois (BSN)

Certification:

Board Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner

Why I Work at ICHS:

I love working with and caring for people of all ages from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Patient Care Philosophy:

I believe that all people should have access to quality health care as a fundamental human right. I believe that establishing positive provider-patient relationships and emphasizing prevention, continuity and holistic care can lead to healthier patients and communities. It is important to advocate for human rights both as a health provider and a national/global citizen.

Interesting Note About Myself:

I have lived in five U.S. states and four countries (Belgium, Cote d’Ivoire, Spain, Thailand). I love to travel and spend time outside.

Jessica To

Location:

Shoreline

Language(s):

English, Vietnamese

Medical Degree:

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Education:

University of Washington, DNP
University of Washington, BA, sociology & BS, nursing

Certification:

Family Nurse Practitioner, AANP Certified (FNP-C)

Why I Work at ICHS:

I am passionate about providing culturally sensitive care for families and communities of diverse backgrounds. I hope to ensure high-quality care across the lifespan that is collaborative, holistic and individualized.

Patient Care Philosophy:

I seek to partner with patients and families in optimizing their health and wellbeing. I strongly believe that developing an open, trusting relationship with patients and families will help me better serve them and support them in enhancing their health outcomes and achieving health equity.

Interesting Note About Myself:

During my free time, I enjoy playing games (board, cards, video games) with friends and family. We also enjoy having karaoke parties at home.

ICHS Clinics Receive 2020 Immunize Washington Awards

Posted on by Theo Bickel

Immunize WA Award

Fifth consecutive year ICHS named Gold Level Provider

International Community Health Services (ICHS) has been recognized for its success protecting children through vaccination. All four of ICHS’ medical and dental clinics were honored with gold or silver level awards in the 2020 Immunize Washington Provider Recognition Program.

 

ICHS Clinic

Child Immunization Rates

Teen Immunization Rates

Holly Park

 86%  Gold Medal

92% Gold Medal

Chinatown-International District

99% Gold Medal

93% Gold Medal

Shoreline

93% Gold Medal

82% Gold Medal

Bellevue

 79%  Silver Medal

N/A   

“Immunizations provide a safe, proven defense to help parents make sure children grow up strong and healthy,” says Dr. Asqual Getaneh, ICHS chief medical officer. “They provide almost complete protection against serious diseases like measles, which still plagues some U.S. communities. Not only that, but getting vaccinated helps protect everyone, even those who are not vaccinated, by contributing to herd immunity and lowering the overall risk of infection.”

One component of ICHS’ success was proactive outreach efforts by Carmina Caoile, ICHS population health coordinator. Caoile made phone calls to ICHS patients and answered questions about cost. In Washington, youth younger than 19 can receive immunizations for free.

Caoile also represented ICHS at local health fairs to share educational materials and developed a ‘Super Kid’ incentive to make immunizations less scary. Young patients became an “ICHS Super Kid” after getting shots, complete with fun costumes, photos and certificates.

“Our young patients really enjoyed dressing up and posing for photos” Caoile shared. “Having a reward at the end motivated them to do their part to help fight disease.”

Research shows that healthcare professionals are the most trusted source of information for parents when it comes to vaccines for their children.

The full 2020 Immunize Washington awardee list can be found here. This year marks the fifth consecutive year that ICHS has achieved gold status.

Sun and Family Fun at the 2020 Lunar New Year 5K

Posted on by Theo Bickel

Lunar New Year 5k

Despite a forecast of rain, sunny skies greeted runners and walkers for the fourth annual ICHS Foundation Lunar New Year 5k on February 23. The event raised $30,000 to support health care access for families who couldn’t otherwise afford it, taking place on the Interurban Trail just blocks away from the ICHS Shoreline Medical and Dental Clinic.

Approximately 300 attendees ranged in age from 1 to 88, including one family of participants that included three generations – the parents running and grandparents walking with grandchildren. Highlights included a traditional Chinese Lion Dance performed by the International Lion Dance Team and a lively group warmup led by Toshiko Aramaki, a Shoreline-area exercise instructor.

“It was wonderful to see so many people, of all ages, enjoying themselves for a great cause,” said Ron Chew, ICHS foundation director. “We look forward to building upon this year’s success, so start training for the Lunar New Year 5k in 2021, the Year of the Ox!”

The event would not have been possible without the generous contributions of many volunteers, sponsors and partners from within the community. The City of Shoreline and Aurora Rents were Presenting Sponsors. Race check-in was held in Shoreline City Hall and the Lunar New Year performance and vendors in the courtyard of Aurora Rents.

Volunteers from the Shoreline Fire Department donated time as medical emergency responders, while international education students from Shoreline Community College helped serve as event staff. Local organizations with a presence included the Shoreline/Lake Forest Park chapter of the League of Women Voters, Shoreline Senior Center and Prevail Physical Therapy.

Presenting Sponsors:

  • Aurora Rents
  • City of Shoreline

Platinum Sponsor:

  • Swedish Hospital

Gold Sponsors:

  • Rainier Vehicle and Vessel Licensing, LLC

Silver Sponsors:

  • Amerigroup
  • Community Health Plan of Washington
  • Tai Tung Inc.

Bronze Sponsors:

  • Asian Counseling & Referral Service (ACRS)
  • Aurora Borealis
  • Merchant’s Parking Association
  • Mei-Ling Woo State Farm Agency
  • Seattle Chinatown International District Preservation Development Authority
  • StickerGiant

Shoreline Area Donors:

  • Central Market
  • One Cup Coffee
  • Starbucks on 185th Ave
  • Streetzeria at the Beach

Photos:

View Lunar New New Year 5k Photos on ICHS’s Facebook Page.

Start Line

 

Join a rat race that makes a difference: Registration now open for ICHS Lunar New Year 5K

Posted on by Theo Bickel

 

Banner - Lunar New Year 5kJoin a rat race that promotes good health and makes a difference. International Community Health Services (ICHS) today opened registration for its annual Lunar New Year 5k Walk / Run at: www.ichs.com/5k.

This year’s fundraiser takes place along Shoreline’s Interurban Trail on Feb. 23, 2020 in celebration of the Year of the Rat. All proceeds will support health services for community members who could not otherwise afford them. Festivities will include a traditional lion dance for good fortune and firecrackers to chase away evil spirits in honor of the Lunar New Year, the most important Chinese holiday.

“ICHS Foundation looks forward to a great event that brings the community together in support of local families,” said Ron Chew, ICHS Foundation director.

Registration is $35 with an early bird discount price of $30 until Dec. 31. Attendees under 14 or 65 and older can participate for free. Participants will receive a time chip, bib, Lunar New Year 5k tee-shirt and other special giveaways from ICHS and event vendors. Free parking is available at Shoreline City Hall and ICHS Shoreline Clinic.

For more information or to learn how to become an event volunteer, email: foundation@ichs.com

Hong Chang

Location:

Shoreline

Language:

English, Vietnamese

EDUcaTiON:

Associate of Art and Science
Associate of Dental Hygiene

Certification:

BLS

Why I Work at ICHS:

I volunteered at ICHS while in college 10 years ago and I fell in love with the multicultural and diverse setting that ICHS provided. I am grateful for organizations like ICHS, which provide affordable and quality health care for all and I am honored to be a part of the organization.

Patient Care Philosophy:

Treat patients with the best care like I would want to be treated.

Interesting Note About Myself:

I had major dental anxiety growing up and I had my very first dental cleaning at ICHS International District clinic after I immigrated to America. The kindness and patience that the doctor and clinic staff exhibited helped me overcome my anxiety and motivated me to work in the dental field.