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DPH director flags early, widespread flu activity; commission told to watch federal coverage and 340B changes
Summary
Director Garcia reported an early, widespread flu season in California, advised vaccination access across DPH clinics and pharmacies, and said the department is monitoring federal changes to the individual coverage mandate, potential 340B program savings cuts, and CHIP reauthorization.
Director Garcia opened the Health Commission meeting with a director's report that emphasized early flu activity in California and the department's outreach to encourage vaccinations across San Francisco.
"We encourage San Franciscans to protect themselves by getting the flu shot and taking other steps to prevent getting sick or spreading illness," Director Garcia said, noting flu shots are available at the Adult Immunization and Travel Clinic, Zuckerberg San Francisco General, Laguna Honda, primary care clinics and Project Homeless Connect, as well as at pharmacies for a fee. He added that emergency medical services call volumes are within normal ranges for the season and said, "to date, there have been no reported deaths from flu of people 65," as part of his monitoring summary.
On federal policy, Garcia said the department is watching three areas: potential changes to the individual coverage mandate, anticipated reductions to savings under the 340B program in 2019, and the reauthorization status of the Children's Health Insurance Program. He said staff will report back on the potential local impacts of those federal changes in future commission meetings.
Garcia also said the department has been working with partners to open 40 mental health beds at Saint Mary's, with a mid-February anticipated opening and an invitation to commissioners to attend.
