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Kaiser Permanente vaccinates ‘kupuna’ for COVID-19

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 08:00:00 +0000

PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Laura M. Lott
laura.m.lott@kp.org
808-432-5916
808-343-2406 (mobile)

HONOLULU — The state’s largest integrated health care provider held its first large-scale COVID-19 vaccination event today at Kaiser Permanente Mapunapuna Medical Office, administering the COVID-19 vaccine to more than 1,600 ‘kupuna,’ or elder, members age 75 years and older. Today’s event is part of phase 1b of Kaiser Permanente’s vaccination rollout in Hawaii, which prioritizes kupuna members and will soon include vaccinations for front-line essential workers. Kaiser Permanente is also continuing vaccinations for phase 1a, which offers vaccines to health care workers including community providers such as independent physicians and dentists.

"The past 10 months have taken an unprecedented toll on our members and the community, and our physicians, nurses, and clinical staff, so today marks a tremendous milestone in helping to stop the spread of COVID-19 in Hawaii,” said John Yang, MD, president and medical director, Hawaii Permanente Medical Group. “We thank our members for their patience as we vaccinate our most vulnerable kupuna first, and we look forward to rolling out the vaccine to more people over the coming months.”

Kaiser Permanente members age 75 and older on Oahu are being notified via email, text, and kp.org to schedule their vaccination appointment online. Those not already registered on kp.org are encouraged to register today by visiting kp.org/register.

Kaiser Permanente members who have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine can call the public vaccine hotline at 1-855-550-0951 (TTY 711) or visit kp.org/covidvaccine.

About Kaiser Permanente

For 75 years, Kaiser Permanente has been committed to shaping the future of health and health care — and helping our members, patients, and communities experience more healthy years. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Since July 21, 1945, Kaiser Permanente’s mission has been to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.4 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health.

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Self-order option boosts colorectal cancer screening rates

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 08:00:00 +0000

PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Terry Kanakri
terry.kanakri@kp.org
626-405-2652

Kerry Sinclair
ksinclair@webershandwick.com
310-710-0321

PASADENA, Calif. — A study among Kaiser Permanente members in Southern California shows that allowing patients to self-order a colorectal cancer screening test online improves rates of testing completion. The rates of both completion and follow-up activities were higher among patients who ordered the tests themselves than those who received the test kit automatically in the mail when it was due, per the usual process.

The research was published today in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.

Erin Hahn, PhD, MPH

“The colorectal cancer screening rates among Kaiser Permanente members in Southern California are already over 80% due to dedicated efforts by our clinical and operational teams,” said lead researcher Erin Hahn, PhD, MPH, of the Kaiser Permanente Southern California Department of Research & Evaluation. “However, we are always striving to improve, and we found that offering self-ordering on our secure kp.org website seemed to increase a patient’s commitment to taking and sending in the test. This was very gratifying because we know these tests can save lives.”

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in the United States, with more than 50,000 deaths estimated in 2019. If we can increase our colorectal cancer screening rates even by a little, we could have an enormous impact on reducing colorectal cancer mortality, Dr. Hahn said.

In the study, researchers evaluated the interactive interface on the kp.org website that allowed patients who were due for an at-home colorectal cancer screening kit to self-order — in this case fecal immunochemical test kits — with the click of a button. For those who did not self-order online, kits were automatically mailed to them when they were due to take the test.

Kaiser Permanente recommends annual at-home colorectal cancer screening for patients between the ages of 50 and 74 years of age, who have had no history of colorectal cancer, have not completed colorectal cancer screening within the past 12 months, and have not completed a colonoscopy within the past 10 years, or sigmoidoscopy within the past 5 years.

The study cohort included 176,231 participants between 50 and 74 years of age who were eligible for colorectal cancer screening. It found:

Approximately 10% of participants (16,918 in total) used the self-order function on the kp.org website to order an at-home test kit for colorectal cancer.
Those who used the self-order function were 3.8 times more likely to complete the kit compared to participants who were sent a kit automatically.
Within the self-ordering group, 63% of those eligible completed a colorectal screening test in the year prior to the button compared to 87% in the year after the button became available.
The mean number of days that patients took to complete a test was 56 in the group that used the self-order option, compared to 90 days in the group that was automatically mailed the test.
Overall, 4% of those in both groups who completed a test required additional screening for positive or inconclusive results. Of those patients who had a positive result requiring additional screening, 8% of those who used the button to order a test did not have subsequent recommended screening vs. 18% in group that did not use the button.

“Based on these results, we see that it is possible that the self-order option can act as an effective commitment device,” Dr. Hahn said. “This may be the case even for patients who had not previously completed a colorectal screening test.”

About Kaiser Permanente

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5 things to know about the COVID-19 vaccines

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Vaccines are a critical part of slowing, and eventually stopping, the spread of COVID-19. With news about the vaccines emerging rapidly, Kaiser Permanente is committed to providing you with information as it’s available.

Here are 5 things we know about the COVID-19 vaccines:

Two COVID-19 vaccines are currently available for emergency use in the United States. Vaccines developed by Pfizer and BioNTech and by Moderna are being distributed across the United States. Our infectious disease and other clinical experts, along with state health officials with whom we are in close contact, reviewed vaccine data to help ensure we give the vaccine safely and equitably. This process will happen each time a new vaccine is cleared for use.
Supplies of the vaccines will be limited for a while. Kaiser Permanente is committed to getting the vaccine to our members and people in our communities as soon as possible. However, initial distributions of the vaccine to each state were limited. So, while state and federal health officials recently expanded vaccine eligibility to people 65 and older along with already-eligible health care workers and residents of long-term care facilities, we continue to have a limited supply of the vaccine. That means not everyone who is eligible will be able to be vaccinated right away. In fact, in California, most individuals will not be able to schedule a vaccination appointment at this time. We expect to eventually receive enough doses so that all adults in the United States can get vaccinated by late 2021.
You’ll likely need to get 2 shots. The 2 vaccines currently being distributed require 2 injections, with approximately 3 to 4 weeks between doses. The 2 shots must be from the same manufacturer — the vaccines are not interchangeable.
The vaccine is not available to children yet. Currently, the vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech is authorized for people age 16 and up. The Moderna vaccine is authorized for those 18 and up. A COVID-19 vaccine will not be available for children until more clinical studies are completed.
We must continue healthy behaviors before and after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. It will take some time for a large percentage of people to get vaccinated. Until then, physical distancing, frequent hand-washing, limiting group gatherings, restricting nonessential travel, and wearing masks — even after being vaccinated — all remain crucial in our fight to slow the spread of the virus).

Stay informed

For the latest information, members and nonmembers can call our COVID-19 vaccine hotline at 1-855-550-0951, available 24/7. Callers will hear a recorded message with the latest information, available in English and Spanish, and it will be updated as more information becomes available.

Find the latest information on vaccine eligibility and how to get a vaccine when you’re eligible at kp.org/covidvaccine. Kaiser Permanente members can also download the kp.org app for convenient access to information.

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Get the mental health support you need

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 08:00:00 +0000

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, anxiety, addiction, or other mental or emotional issues, it’s important to get connected to the support you need. We’ve gathered a number of resources in one place to make it easier to find the help that’s best for you.

How to get care

Kaiser Permanente members can visit kp.org/mentalhealth to get connected to care. We’re offering many of our services virtually, for added convenience and safety.
For immediate help for a mental health crisis, including thoughts of suicide, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

How to find support

Our FindYourWords support center can help you start a conversation or get support for yourself or someone you care about. You’ll find self-check and screening tools on a number of topics, including depression, anxiety, and addiction. You’ll also find several hotlines and online communities so you can talk, text, or chat with someone who can help.
Find tips and advice from Kaiser Permanente experts on our mental health and wellness page. From how to manage addiction during the pandemic to nurturing healthy relationships, mental health professionals share helpful information and resources to get through these challenging times.

Self-care tools

Explore our broad range of self-care resources — tools, tips, activities, and articles — designed to boost resilience and help you thrive in mind, body, and spirit. You can find mental wellness and mindfulness resources on the digital self-care apps myStrength and Calm, available at no additional cost to Kaiser Permanente members.

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COVID-19 vaccine supply is limited and unpredictable

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Kaiser Permanente is committed to getting the COVID-19 vaccine to our members and communities as soon as possible and to communicating frequently about the status of vaccine and appointment availability.

It is important to know that providers are informed of their vaccine deliveries on a weekly basis, and at this time, we are awaiting additional vaccine delivery. The quantities vary each week, therefore we can only schedule appointments for one week at a time. And we are receiving a small supply of vaccine in comparison to our membership.

For context, Kaiser Permanente has about 1.4 million members in California who are 65 or older. We have received a weekly average of about 20,000 first-and-second doses (40,000 single doses) since early December. We have been vaccinating health care workers and people in the state’s early priority groups, and accounting for second doses on hand. This is using nearly all of our current weekly allocation of the vaccine. Until supply increases, it will take several months to provide the 2 doses needed to that 65-and-older population alone.

As a result, most individuals will not be able to schedule a vaccine appointment at this time. Our phone and online appointment systems are being overloaded with requests for appointments, but we don’t have enough vaccine supply on hand to meet even a fraction of the demand. We received over 90,000 calls to our vaccine hotline on January 14, up from 38,000 on January 12. This is in addition to calls to clinical and health plan contact centers.

We sincerely apologize to our members who have encountered long wait times when calling for a vaccination appointment and understand the frustration this causes. We are grateful for everyone’s patience and are taking action to alleviate the situation as we work on more ways to increase access to vaccinations as supply allows:

We have increased staff in our call center, which operates 24 hours a day.
To avoid long hold times and to be able to meet the other medical care needs of our members, who are using the same phone and online tools, we are advising callers up front if there are no available vaccine appointments.
By the week of January 18, we will add an option to allow eligible members to self-schedule a vaccination appointment based on vaccine supplies.
We are reaching out to vaccination-eligible members with more information about what to expect. You can find new information as it becomes available at kp.org/covidvaccine.
We are working with the state and counties to set up mass vaccine locations and to reach the most vulnerable people in our communities. But we need more of the vaccine before these can open.

As production ramps up by manufacturers, we anticipate larger deliveries over the coming weeks. In addition to the expanded populations outlined by the January 13 state guidance, we are continuing to vaccinate those in phase 1A, including health care workers. As supplies increase, we will vaccinate more people.

At the same time, the prevalence of COVID-19 remains high in our communities. It is essential that everyone keep doing the things that work and save lives — wear a mask, wash hands frequently, avoid gatherings, and maintain social distance from others.

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The truth about flu: 6 facts

Fri, 15 Jan 2021 08:00:00 +0000

If you’ve ever had the flu, you know how miserable it can be. Symptoms can include fever, body aches, sore throat, and cough, and in severe cases, people with the flu can end up in the hospital.

With COVID-19 infections surging, it’s more important than ever to protect yourself against the flu. Here are 6 important flu facts.

Flu fact 1: The flu is worse than a cold.

People often use the term "flu" to refer to a cold or other respiratory illness. But the flu, or influenza, is much worse. It’s a highly contagious viral infection.

In most cases, the flu goes away on its own. But in some cases, the flu can be serious, leading to dangerous complications such as pneumonia or dehydration. And each year, hundreds of thousands of people in the United States are hospitalized with the flu, and tens of thousands of people die, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Flu fact 2: Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu shot.

Getting an annual flu shot is your best defense against the flu. This flu season, that’s especially important because catching the flu could make you more vulnerable to COVID-19. We urge everyone 6 months and older to get vaccinated.

People at high risk of complications from the flu include children 5 and under, adults 65 and older, pregnant women, and people with chronic conditions. But even if you’re not at high risk, you can still spread the virus to people around you who are.

Flu fact 3: You can’t get the flu from a flu shot.

We all know people who swear they got the flu from a flu shot. But the reality is that the flu shot can't make you sick because it doesn’t contain a live virus.

It takes about 2 weeks for the vaccine to start preventing flu, so if you get sick after receiving your flu shot, chances are you were infected with the flu before getting vaccinated.

Flu fact 4: Even if you are wearing a mask to prevent COVID-19, you still need a flu shot.

Many of the good habits you’ve developed to prevent COVID-19 are also effective in preventing the flu. These include wearing a mask outside of your home, washing your hands frequently, and avoiding touching your mouth and eyes.

But a flu shot is the only thing we have that specifically targets influenza, so getting vaccinated is your best defense.

Think of it as giving yourself the best possible chance to stay healthy. When you go for a drive, you buckle your seat belt even though you plan to observe the speed limit and use your turn signal. In much the same way, getting a flu shot provides extra protection against influenza even if you are already taking precautions to prevent COVID-19.

Flu fact 5: Even if you are staying home to prevent COVID-19, you still need a flu shot.

The more you stay home and avoid interaction with people outside the home, the more you reduce the risk of being exposed to contagious diseases like COVID-19 and the flu. But some exposure to germs is inevitable.

The good news is that, while the COVID-19 vaccine is not yet widely available, the flu shot is — and it works. The flu vaccine helped prevent 4.4 million cases of the flu and 58,000 hospital visits in the United States during the 2018 to 2019 flu season, according to the CDC.

Flu fact 6: It’s safe to come in for your flu shot.

With COVID-19 cases surging, it’s normal to feel anxious about coming in for your flu shot. Rest assured that your safety is our top priority. We’ve created new options to make it safer than ever to get vaccinated. /p>

Many Kaiser Permanente facilities are offering drive-thru clinics, walk-up outdoor clinics, and drop-in indoor clinics. And through March 31, 2021, Kaiser Permanente members can get no-cost flu shots at many retail pharmacies across the United States (including Albertsons, Costco, CVS, Kroger, Rite Aid, Safeway, Sav-on, Walgreens, and Walmart) by providing a photo identification and member ID card.

Flu shot options vary from location to location, so visit kp.org/flu to learn more.

Be a #flufighter

Have you gotten your flu shot? Let friends and family know you’re a #flufighter and encourage them to join you. Look for the #flufighter hashtag on Kaiser Permanente’s social media channels and share our posts and tweets with your own network.

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Bringing health care home

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Jane Clark recently contracted pneumonia in both lungs. Normally, such a diagnosis would mean 5 days spent in a hospital. But, through an innovative program, she was able to receive the same level of personal care in her own home in Portland, Oregon.

Even before the pandemic, Kaiser Permanente Northwest was planning the KP@Home program, a virtual hospital that duplicates hospital-level care and treatment in the patient’s home. With the spread of COVID-19, there are concerns about hospital overcrowding and keeping noninfected patients safe. So, the program’s April 2020 launch was perfectly timed.

“The technology is there for us to duplicate a patient’s care at home with the same types of treatments I give in a brick-and-mortar hospital,” said Arsheeya Mashaw, MD, a hospitalist and the medical director of Kaiser Permanente Northwest Virtual Hospital.

How it works

When a physician determines that a patient in the emergency department needs admission and that hospital-level care can be duplicated at home using the KP@Home model, the physician will present the patient with that option.

If additional screening shows that home treatment would be safe and unimpeded by any social or safety issues, a treatment plan is created and the patient is transported home.

Back at home, a paramedic team sets up all the required technology for the virtual hospital. “We hadn’t been home 15 minutes and we were set up,” said Clark. “It was like ‘Troop Kaiser.’”

After that, a doctor does a virtual admission visit via a Kaiser Permanente-provided device such as an iPad or laptop and begins treatment.

Quality care delivered to your door

During a virtual hospital stay, the patient is digitally tethered to a Kaiser Permanente physician who connects with the patient daily and can order hospital-level care, right down to medically tailored meal delivery. A nurse practitioner does home visits regularly, and paramedics can administer medication as needed. Should anything come up, the patient can initiate a face-to-face meeting with his or her nurse via an iPad, phone, or medical alert bracelet.

“I felt very confident,” said Clark. “The minute I met the personnel, I knew that with the touch of a button I had a doctor or a paramedic.”

“It has been a welcome choice to our patients, many of whom are fearful of being admitted to a hospital during this pandemic,” said Dr. Mashaw. “Providing a choice to our patients to receive hospital-level care in their own home with familiar surroundings and family around them instead of being in a hospital has been very rewarding.”

Through this program, Dr. Mashaw says doctors can monitor and oversee the care of more patients while freeing up hospital beds — a valuable resource during a global pandemic, but with long-lasting implications for Kaiser Permanente members.

“We are at the beginning of a tide change in health care across the world,” he said. “In a few years we will look back and realize we were able to create something that will help lead the way for greater access to care with expanded care outside facilities and more into people’s homes. It’s bringing care to people instead of them coming to us.”

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Committing $8.15M for racial equity

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 08:00:00 +0000

PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Hilary Costa
hilary.c.costa@kp.org

OAKLAND, Calif. — Kaiser Permanente, the nation’s largest integrated, nonprofit health system, has awarded $8.15 million to support dozens of nonprofit and community-based organizations whose programs address systemic racism and accompanying trauma on individuals and communities of color. These grants are part of a $25 million commitment Kaiser Permanente announced in June 2020 to promote health equity among its members, communities, employees, and physicians and to break the cycle of trauma and stress driven by racism that leads to poor health outcomes.

This first set of grants, awarded to 40 organizations in the District of Columbia and the 8 U.S. states where Kaiser Permanente operates, supports established national and regional community-based organizations led by people of color, that address racial and social justice or trauma, including the lifelong impacts of adverse childhood experiences. Funding will be used for community organizing, policy advocacy, and movement building, among other objectives.

“As we reflect on the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., I hope Kaiser Permanente is one of many voices plainly saying that there is much, much work still to be done to realize Dr. King’s ideal of an equitable society that guarantees every individual the opportunity to thrive,” said Greg A. Adams, Kaiser Permanente chairman and CEO. “I am encouraged as I see what progress is possible through organization, activism, and advocacy — and I want our support to enable future generations to follow that path to create change.”

Among the initiatives funded is a $2 million national partnership with PolicyLink to design and scale racial equity strategies, projects, and campaigns. The core issues PolicyLink addresses include housing justice, water equity and climate resilience, corporate racial equity, and reducing inequality.

“To truly honor Dr. King, we must build a just and fair society where all can participate, prosper, and reach their full potential. Sadly, due to us not heeding Dr. King’s charge, more than 100 million people — 1 in 3 Americans — still live in or near poverty,” said Michael McAfee, president and CEO of PolicyLink. “Our partnership with Kaiser Permanente will support creating anti-racist practices and policies inside the organization, within Kaiser Permanente’s vast network, and in the broader society. This project will help to ensure that all people in America — particularly those who face the burdens of structural racism — participate in a just society, live in a healthy community of opportunity, and prosper in an equitable economy.”

As part of this partnership, PolicyLink will also play a role in working with organizations receiving grants — convening, engaging, and mobilizing regional grantees to catalyze learning and action communities. Kaiser Permanente and PolicyLink will evaluate the outcomes of funded programs, with input from a panel of national racial justice and trauma experts, to track and measure overall progress. The grants will be distributed through Kaiser Permanente’s fund at the East Bay Community Foundation.

About Kaiser Permanente

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Brightening up the winter blues

Tue, 12 Jan 2021 08:00:00 +0000

When many people are already experiencing increased isolation, the winter season might feel daunting with more time inside and less sunlight. Matthew Holve, MD, a Kaiser Permanente psychiatrist, has advice for how you can boost your mental and physical wellness, stay motivated, and lift your spirits.

Feeling down versus seasonal affective disorder

First, it’s important to understand the difference between temporary feelings of sadness versus seasonal affective disorder, clinical depression, or anxiety. It’s common to feel a bit down or unmotivated during the darker winter season. It’s when these feelings interfere with your ability to do everyday activities that you should seek help.

“A mental health disorder is when you experience functional impairment,” said Dr. Holve. “If you start to see significant changes in your sleep, appetite, attention, or your ability to work, medical attention is needed.”

Glass half full

While infectious disease experts agree that staying home — not traveling and not gathering — is the best way to protect yourself and those you love from COVID-19 this winter, it’s important to look on the bright side and not focus on what you are missing.

“There’s evidence that practicing gratitude increases happiness,” Dr. Holve said. “People who appreciate the good in their lives begin to perceive situations positively instead of as a loss.”

Express thankfulness to others, journal your appreciation, and try to find positivity in the challenges you face.

Self-care

It’s the buzz word of the times, but self-care can be very effective at alleviating negative thinking and elevating mood. Dr. Holve recommends carving out time daily to do something you love and doing it with intention.

“Don’t think about your relaxation as wasted time,” he said. “Instead, dedicate time to relaxing or doing an activity you like, and enjoy it.”

For those who want to explore meditation or want to try relaxation exercises, digital tools such as Calm or myStrength are available to Kaiser Permanente members at no cost.

Be social, virtually

Finding meaningful ways to connect while physically distancing is incredibly valuable. Reach out to friends and family, leverage technology to see each other’s faces, and be an active listener.

Supporting others, making connections, and having a laugh together can give you a sense of purpose and lift your spirits.

Stay engaged with exercise and activities

Exercise is important when improving mental health, but don’t take on a New Year’s resolution approach. Start with small, practical goals. For beginners, shoot for a few short walks a week, or do some gentle stretching for 5 to 10 minutes a day. If successful at this, then move on to more ambitious goals. Unrealistic expectations are a formula for failure, which can lead to negative associations with exercise.

This is also true when beginning a new hobby. Dr. Holve said dedicating just 5 minutes a day to a new activity is a great start.

“Good mental health can influence your outlook on every aspect of life and result in more rewarding experiences,” explained Dr. Holve. With a few more dark, cold, and possibly isolated months to go this winter season, making your mental health a top priority can help provide the boost you need.

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Is it the flu, COVID-19, or just a cold?

Thu, 31 Dec 2020 08:00:00 +0000

Cold and flu season is upon us, and, with it, the all-too-familiar sneezes and coughs.

But with COVID-19 cases on the rise, some people are experiencing a troubling new symptom: worry that each sneeze or cough could be the sign of something more serious.

The good news is that there are simple steps you can take to reduce the chance of getting sick. In fact, many of the habits doctors recommend to prevent COVID-19 can also reduce your risk of getting the flu or a cold. These include wearing a mask in public, maintaining 6 feet of distance from people outside your household, and washing your hands frequently.

If you haven’t gotten a flu shot this year, make plans to do so right away. Visit kp.org/flu to learn about safe and convenient vaccination options near you, available at no cost for Kaiser Permanente members.

“The COVID-19 vaccines are not widely available yet, but we do have a flu vaccine,” said national infectious disease leader Paul Thottingal, MD. “It’s safe and effective, and can protect you and your family from a potentially life-threatening illness.”

The chart below lays out the most common symptoms of a cold, the flu, and COVID-19. If you think you might have COVID-19 or the flu, we offer members several options for getting care and advice from the comfort of home. These include completing an e-visit on kp.org/evisits, scheduling a video or phone appointment, calling the advice number on your member ID card, or emailing your doctor. You can also access care in person if you prefer.

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Flu shots essential with COVID-19 in full swing

Thu, 31 Dec 2020 08:00:00 +0000

Damaris Green will never repeat the mistake he made in 2018.

After deciding not to get vaccinated against the flu, the Kaiser Permanente member ended up in the hospital with a severe case of the infectious respiratory illness, one of hundreds of thousands of Americans to meet that fate each year.

“[My] organs were failing,” he said. “If it wasn’t for the great doctors here at Kaiser Permanente, I might not be here today.”

Now more than ever

Green’s story is a cautionary tale in this flu season with the coronavirus pandemic still in full swing.

“The flu is serious. Each year, tens of thousands of people in the United States die from the flu, and many more are hospitalized,” said Paul Thottingal, MD, Kaiser Permanente’s national infectious disease leader.

“Getting vaccinated has always been the best defense against the flu, but this year it’s more important than ever,” he added. “A bad flu season could further strain a health care system that’s already coping with COVID-19.”

Avoiding a dangerous double-whammy

Although the flu and COVID-19 are both respiratory illnesses with similar symptoms, they’re caused by different viruses, and it is possible to have both at the same time, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In fact, “catching the flu could potentially make you more vulnerable to COVID-19 and other infectious diseases by compromising your immune system,” noted David Bronstein, MD, a pediatric infectious disease specialist with Kaiser Permanente in Southern California.

That’s why Kaiser Permanente is urging everyone 6 months and older to get a flu shot as soon as possible. Getting vaccinated not only helps keep you healthy, it also protects those around you who may be at higher risk for flu complications. That includes children 5 and younger, adults 65 and older, pregnant women, and people with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and HIV.

“The COVID-19 vaccines are not widely available yet,” said Dr. Thottingal, “but we’ve had the flu vaccine for a while now. It’s safe and effective, and can protect you and your family from a potentially life-threatening illness.”

Getting vaccinated is safe and convenient — and there’s no cost for Kaiser Permanente members

To safely and conveniently deliver flu shots during the coronavirus pandemic, Kaiser Permanente is offering a variety of vaccination options, all designed to maintain the physical distancing that’s essential in preventing the spread of COVID-19. These include drive-thru clinics, outdoor clinics, and roving carts that minimize patient traffic within our facilities.

Vaccination locations, dates, and hours vary, so visit kp.org/flu to find the option that’s best for you. Flu shots are available at no cost to all members.

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Shopping for toothpaste or diapers? Get a no-cost flu shot.

Tue, 29 Dec 2020 08:00:00 +0000

Like eating healthy and getting enough sleep, getting an annual flu shot is something we all know we should do but sometimes don’t.

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, getting your flu shot is more important than ever. While a flu shot won’t prevent you from getting COVID-19, it will protect you from the flu, a serious respiratory infection that can lead to hospitalization or even death.

That’s why we’re doing everything we can to make it safe and easy to get your flu shot. In fact, through March 31, 2021, Kaiser Permanente members can get no-cost flu shots at many retail pharmacies across the United States, including Albertsons, Costco, CVS, Kroger, Rite Aid, Safeway, Sav-on, Walgreens, and Walmart.

Here’s how:

1) Go to kp.org/flu, select your region, and click the link that says “How can I get a flu shot this year” or “Find locations.”

2) Click the pharmacy name to view its website and learn about hours of operation, appointment requirements, age restrictions, and more.

3) When you arrive, let pharmacy staff know that you are a Kaiser Permanente member, and be prepared to show a photo ID and your Kaiser Permanente member card.

4) Members will not need to provide a copay or file a claim for reimbursement.

5) Your Kaiser Permanente electronic health record will be updated to show that you have received your annual flu shot.

More ways to stay safe

Flu shots are also available at Kaiser Permanente facilities, and options include drive-thru clinics, walk-up outdoor clinics, and drop-in indoor clinics. Learn more at kp.org/flu.

Get the facts

Each year, tens of thousands of people in the United States die from the flu, and many more are hospitalized. An annual flu shot is the best way to protect yourself. Brush up on the facts about flu.

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Chest pain risk assessment may reduce treatment disparities

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 08:00:00 +0000

PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Terry Kanakri
terry.kanakri@kp.org
626-405-2652

Kerry Sinclair
ksinclair@webershandwick.com
310-710-0321

PASADENA, Calif. — The use of a standardized tool for assessing the risk of serious outcomes in patients with chest pain was associated with women at high risk receiving comparable care to men, according to new research published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine. Care received by women at low and intermediate risk was consistent with current clinical recommendations. Men received more stress testing and were more likely to be hospitalized than women.

The researchers’ goal in this study was to look at gender disparities after developing and implementing a standardized approach to cardiac care for patients in 2016, using the HEART score. The HEART score, which stands for history, electrocardiogram, age, risk factors, and troponin level, is used to determine risk for adults with suspected acute coronary syndrome and based on that risk informs clinical decisions and standard care recommendations.

“Historically, a lot has been published about disparities in cardiovascular care for women, including misdiagnosing them,” said Adam Sharp, MD, MSc. “So, we hypothesized that our standardized approach with more objective risk stratification may reduce or eliminate disparities in care for women. “We found after implementation of the HEART score that women received more appropriate care than men with physicians less likely to recommend low-value cardiac testing for lower and intermediate risk levels, and comparable care for those at high risk.”

This study used data collected from more than 34,000 emergency department visits from May 20, 2016, to December 1, 2017, at 15 emergency departments within Kaiser Permanente in Southern California. The study findings included:

Women were hospitalized or received stress tests less frequently than men even after adjusting for HEART score and comorbidities.
Women received care consistent with guidelines:
- Low-risk women were less likely to be referred for stress tests or to be hospitalized than men.
- High-risk women received similar care to high-risk men.
Despite less care, women still had fewer reports of heart attacks or death within 30 days of the emergency department visit than men overall, and particularly among those at low risk.

Dr. Sharp said the study showed that risk stratification by HEART score of emergency department patients with suspected heart attacks may be useful in improving the care of women, and an opportunity to avoid nonrecommended care in low-risk men.

Kaiser Permanente strives to provide the right care, at the right place and time, and to reduce the amount of nonrecommended care for heart patients and others. Unnecessary and nonrecommended care can have negative effects on patient safety, convenience, and the overall affordability of health care.

“There is always a margin of error with any testing, which requires physicians and patients to weigh the benefits against the risks,” Dr. Sharp said. “More testing in low-risk patients can lead to more invasive tests, which has potential health risks as well as potential time in the hospital. No one wants to take time off to go to the hospital. Especially if it’s unnecessary.”

The study was funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health) under award R01HL134647.

Other authors on the paper include Salena Marie Preciado, MSc, formerly of the Kaiser Permanente Southern California Department of Research & Evaluation, Pasadena; Benjamin C. Sun, MD, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia; Aileen Baecker, PhD, and Yi-Lin Wu, MS, of the Department of Research & Evaluation; Ming-Sum Lee, MD, PhD, Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center; Ernest Shen, PhD, Department of Research & Evaluation; Maros Ferencik MD, PhD, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon; Shaw Natsui, MD, MPA, New York City Health + Hospitals, New York; Aniket A. Kawatkar, PhD, MS, and Stacy J. Park, PhD, Department of Research & Evaluation; and Rita F. Redberg, MD, MSc, University of California San Francisco, Division of Cardiology, San Francisco.

About the Kaiser Permanente Southern California Department of Research & Evaluation

The Department of Research & Evaluation conducts high-quality, innovative research into disease etiology, prevention, treatment, and care delivery. Investigators conduct epidemiologic research, health services research, biostatistics research, and behavioral research as well as clinical trials. Major areas of study include chronic disease, infectious disease, cancer, drug safety and effectiveness, and maternal and child health. Headquartered in Pasadena, California, the department focuses on translating research to practice quickly to benefit the health and lives of Kaiser Permanente Southern California members and the general public. Visit kp.org/research.

About Kaiser Permanente

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Highest rated for customer satisfaction

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 08:00:00 +0000

“They have taken very good care of me for over 30 years,” said an 85-year-old Kaiser Permanente member from California.

“It's very convenient to use, and they have a variety of plans and coverage,” said a 47-year-old member from Georgia.

These are just some of the comments provided by Kaiser Permanente health plan members in a recent survey, in which Kaiser Permanente rated highest in customer satisfaction.

The national survey of more than 2,200 health care policy holders was conducted by Insure.com, which for over 20 years has served as a consumer resource for insurance information. The survey, fielded in October, ranked the 15 leading health insurers on value for price, customer service, website and mobile app usefulness, and more. Kaiser Permanente’s health plans came out on top, ahead of Blue Shield of California and Humana.

Of the Kaiser Permanente members surveyed, 90% said they would renew with us, and 87% said they would recommend us. Those who took the Insure.com survey specifically pointed to our online functionality as an area of high satisfaction.

“We are extremely proud that our service and administration teams are recognized for their expertise and dedication, especially during this critical time in health care,” said Arthur M. Southam, MD, executive vice president of health plan operations. “The honor confirms what we’ve always known — our people are committed to providing the highest-quality service possible.”

“In the survey, Kaiser Permanente ranked high with Generation X,” said Penny Gusner, senior consumer analyst, Insure.com. “Gen Xers rated it tops overall, as well as for price, customer service, and its website/app. Kaiser Permanente additionally tied for top health plan overall among baby boomers.”

Insure.com is the latest consumer intelligence organization to honor Kaiser Permanente for high-quality service and accessibility. In July, NICE Satmetrix recognized us for the 10th year in a row as highest rated for customer experience and loyalty in its 2020 U.S. consumer Net Promoter Score benchmarks study.

Learn more about the Insure.com survey and list of Best Insurance Companies for 2021.

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How COVID-19 vaccines were developed and delivered quickly

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 08:00:00 +0000

Hope is in sight. COVID-19 vaccines are here, and some of the most vulnerable people are already getting vaccinated.

At the same time, you may be wondering how we can be sure the vaccines are safe and how the vaccine developers were able to determine so quickly that they work to prevent COVID-19 infection.

To discuss these and other key questions, we spoke with Stephen Parodi, MD, national infectious disease lead at Kaiser Permanente.

How were the COVID-19 vaccines developed so quickly?

Groups of scientists, the pharmaceutical industry, multiple government agencies, and medical professionals recognized the urgent need to share resources and focus on stopping the pandemic.

The Food and Drug Administration saw the high infection rates and understood that safe, effective vaccines were crucial. As a result, the FDA was able to speed up certain parts of the approval process while still ensuring a thorough evaluation of these vaccines. For instance, enrolling patients in clinical trials, usually the longest part of the process, was accelerated.

In addition, our scientific community approached these vaccines in a new way. Most vaccines are developed by weakening or killing a virus or by producing part of the virus in the lab. These processes are time-consuming. For the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines recently authorized for use in the United States, the pharmaceutical companies used a new, faster method that is based on decades of research on related viruses.

All of this work was made possible by significant investments from both the government and private sources. Their sponsorships allowed pharmaceutical companies to devote ample resources to this important effort and test multiple approaches and move forward with the ones that worked.

How can we be sure the vaccines are safe?

To receive emergency use authorization, each COVID-19 vaccine candidate met the FDA’s stringent safety and efficacy standards.

While the speed of COVID-19 vaccine development is remarkable, several measures were taken to ensure the trials and the evaluation of the results were done with the highest level of integrity and confidence. During each phase of the clinical trials, data and safety monitoring boards followed the interim results closely to determine if the trial could continue. Finally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and its expert Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices weighed in independently on all of the safety and effectiveness data.

Does Kaiser Permanente review the safety and efficacy data released by the FDA?

Yes. As each COVID-19 vaccine gets authorized for emergency use in the United States, the vaccine’s safety and efficacy data is then released. At that time, our infectious disease and other clinical experts — along with state and federal public health officials —closely review the data. We also will continue to monitor the safety and effectiveness of these vaccines as we administer them over the coming months. This type of monitoring is normal, and we have done this kind of evaluation for other new vaccines.

How effective are the vaccines?

The first 2 COVID-19 vaccines authorized, one developed by Pfizer and BioNTech and another by Moderna, both reported over 90% efficacy in their phase 3 clinical trials. These are incredibly encouraging results, which is welcome news given the current surge of COVID-19 cases. As a point of comparison, flu vaccine efficacy is generally around 50%, so the COVID-19 vaccine results are remarkable.

What would you say to those who are wary about such a new and quickly developed vaccine?

I understand that some of us may have concerns about a new vaccine. A number of safeguards were put in place to make sure the vaccine will protect us from this coronavirus in a safe way. Kaiser Permanente’s experts have reviewed the vaccine development process, been involved with the trials, and applied the same due diligence to make sure the data supporting the use of these vaccines is solid. By choosing to be vaccinated when it’s your turn, you’ll be doing your part to help us return to normal. I look forward to receiving the vaccine when I am eligible and recommend all my family and friends to do the same.

It will take some time for a large percentage of people to get vaccinated. Until then, physical distancing, frequent hand-washing, limiting group gatherings, restricting nonessential travel, and wearing masks all remain crucial in our fight to slow the spread of the virus (even after someone has been vaccinated).

For more COVID-19 vaccine information, including details on when the vaccines will be broadly available, review our vaccine FAQs or call our new 24/7 hotline for information in English or Spanish at 1-855-550-0951 (TTY 711).

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