August is National Immunization Awareness Month

Defined as biological preparations that improve immunity to a particular disease, vaccines are often misunderstood. This is largely due to the vaccination process itself, as well as the corresponding association to any high-profile public health concern that may be in the public spotlight. Let’s face it, nobody wants to be injected with something that resembles a disease-causing microorganism. However, since that is generally how vaccinations work, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), part of the Department of Health and Human Services, has published on its website, www.cdc.gov, some very important questions and answers that should accompany any discussion about vaccinations. These include:

Why should my child be immunized? Children need vaccines to protect them from dangerous childhood diseases that can result in serious complications, and even death.

What are some diseases that childhood vaccines can prevent? The list of diseases includes, but is not limited to, diphtheria, measles, mumps, whooping cough, pneumococcal infection, polio, rubella, tetanus, and chicken pox. If you or someone you know have any questions about childhood vaccinations, contact a doctor. Never rely solely upon information published on the Internet.

Are there any side effects to vaccinations? Side effects can occur with any medicine, including vaccines. Depending on the vaccine, these can include: slight fever, rash, or soreness at the site of injection. Slight discomfort is normal and should not be a cause for alarm. Again, if you or someone you know have any questions about side effects from vaccinations, contact a doctor. Although extremely rare, serious reactions to vaccines are possible.

Should I track vaccinations?Yes. A vaccination health record helps you and your health care provider keep your child's vaccinations on schedule. If you move or change providers, having an accurate record might prevent your child from repeating vaccinations he or she has already had.

Is anyone eligible for free vaccinations?There is a federal program called Vaccines for Children that provides free vaccines to eligible children. More information about this program can be found on the CDC website, www.cdc.gov.

Whooping Cough Epidemic Declared in California

The state of California declared a pertussis (whooping cough) epidemic on June 17, 2010. Pertussis is a bacterial infection, nicknamed whooping cough for the "whooping" sound a person with the disease makes while trying to catch a breath between coughing fits. This cough can at times be so severe as to cause broken blood vessels in the face, eyes, and even the brain. The primary risk, however, is possible suffocation in small children. As a result, the California Department of Public Health is encouraging all health care workers who might have contact with infants to get immunized against pertussis.

With a constant focus on public health and providing excellent care to its community, Coast Plaza Hospital will offer the Tdap vaccine (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) to hospital employees who may be at risk. The Tdap vaccine is different than the DTaP vaccine (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis), which is generally for children under 7 years of age. Tdap is a three-way booster vaccine for older children, teens, and adults. There is no standalone pertussis vaccine. Additional information about the Tdap vaccine can be found at the following link: [TDAP INFORMATION ]

California Launches Program to Reduce Preventable Hospital Readmissions

The State of California recently turned its focus toward reducing preventable hospital readmissions. Project BOOST (Better Outcomes for Older Adults through Safer Transitions) is designed to reduce 30-day readmission rates, improve patient satisfaction, and enhance the flow of information between hospitals and outpatient physicians. The program also tries to identify high-risk patients while improving education for the patients and their families.

“California is a microcosm for the challenges and opportunities for hospital care in the American healthcare system," said Janet Nagamine, R.N., M.D., S.F.H.M., program leader for the California BOOST program. "Reducing readmissions requires intense attention to detail, strong communication skills, patience, and a systemic, team-based approach - all of which Project BOOST can help instill."

Emphasizing ways to reduce preventable hospital readmissions is nothing new to Coast Plaza. As we continue our efforts to provide excellent patient care to our community, we always welcome assistance from the State of California, and Project BOOST in particular.

The Federal Government Releases Final Regulations on “Meaningful Use”

Standing at a healthy 864 pages, the Federal Government has released the final regulations defining what will constitute “meaningful use” of electronic medical records. By clarifying the primary objective for providers upon adopting electronic medical records systems, these new regulations should make it easier for hospitals and doctors to qualify in the future for the first round of incentive payments. As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act passed last year, the Federal Government has set aside funds it can award to health care providers who implement electronic medical records and make meaningful use therefrom. A nice summary of the final regulations, prepared by the New England Journal of Medicine, can be found here: [CHART SUMMARY]. For anyone who is interested in reading the regulations in their entirety, this information can be found here: [FULL TEXT]

Martin Luther King Jr. Hospital

Earlier this month the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors formally approved an agreement with the University of California to reopen Martin Luther King Jr. Hospital in 2013. This vote permits county Chief Executive Officer Bill Fujioka to work with the university system to create a private nonprofit facility that will run the hospital.

The agreement also outlines the county’s commitment to supply the building and provide financial support for the hospital’s operation. The University of California will assume medical oversight of the hospital and will include a chief medical officer and approximately twenty physicians, both hospitalists and intensivists. Coast Plaza welcomes the return of Martin Luther King Jr. Hospital and looks forward to the great benefits it will bring to the County of Los Angeles.