News and Updates

SEPTEMBER 2010

    2010 / 2011 Flu Vaccinations:  This year the H1N1 strain will be part of the regular seasonal flu vaccine.  No need for two separate vaccines this year!  We have received some flu vaccine already.  The CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you get vaccinated as soon as product is available so that you are protected.  Please call our office to schedule your child's appointment today.  We are offering both injectable and intranasal vaccine.

Thank you!

OCTOBER 2009

   Signs & Symptoms of Influenza & H1N1:  Fatigue, Body Aches, Chills, Headache, Fever, Cough, Sore Throat, Runny or Stuffy Nose.

    Most people who have been sick with influenza or H1N1 have recovered at home without treatment.  Children with Influenza or H1N1 must remain at home for seven days unless instructed otherwise.

    Complications can occur with both viral infections.  Antiviral medications may or may not be prescribed even with a positive test result depending on the severity.  Seek emergency medical care if your child becomes ill and experiences any of the following warning signs:

• Fast Breathing or Trouble Breathing

• Bluish or gray skin color

• Not drinking or urinating as much as usual

• Severe or persistant vomiting

• Not waking up or interacting as usual

• Being so irritable that your child does not even want to be held

• Fever returns after being absent for a day or a significant change in fever pattern

    It is important that your child not be exposed to other children who are sick, and that if your child has a flu-like illness that he or she does not expose others, in order to keep from spreading illness.

Some Things You Can Do To Keep You & Your Child Healthy:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your upper sleeve, not your hand, when you cough or sneeze.  Do NOT use your hands.

• Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing.  Only use an alcohol based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

• Avoid close contact with sick people.

• If you or your child get sick with flu-like symptoms stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from spreading your illness.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth to prevent the spread of germs.

OCTOBER 2008

There are many new immunizations and recommendations.  Please read the information below to determine if there are any new recommendations for your child.

Flu Vaccine

    The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children with chronic illnesses receive the Influenza Vaccine.  They also recommend that all children 6 months to 3yrs of age receive the Influenza Vaccine.  Please call the office to schedule an appointment for your child's flu vaccine today.  (For children 9yrs of age and younger who are receiving the flu vaccine for the first time must receive two doses one month apart)

    We are offering FluMist, an alternate to the flu shot.  This is a live, intranasal vaccine for healthy children and adults that are 2 years or older. 

Hepatitis A Vaccine

    It is now recommended that all children 12 months of age receive the Hepatitis A vaccine.  Hepatitis A is a severe, viral illness that affects the liver and can cause a variety of symptoms.  Hepatitis A is easily transmitted and is a preventable illness.  The Hepatitis A vaccine consists of an initial dose with a booster in 6-12 months from the first.  We will be discussing this vaccine with you at your child's next well exam.

Rotavirus Vaccine

The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends that all infants receive the Rotavirus vaccine called RotaTeq.  This vaccine prevents a serious viral illness caused by rotavirus.  This virus causes severe diarrhea, vomiting, and fever.  This virus can cause symptoms for several days resulting in dehydration and hospitalization.  Almost all children in the U.S. are infected with Rotavirus by their 5th birthday.  Infants should receive three doses of this vaccine:  1st dose at 2 months of age, 2nd dose at 4 months of age, and 3rd dose at 6 months of age.  Ask one of our providers for more information at your baby's well exam.

TDaP

We recommend that all patients 11-12 years of age and older receive the TDaP vaccine in place of the previously recommended Tetanus Diptheria (TD) Booster.  This new vaccine contains Pertussis, which is still quite prevalent.

Menactra

This vaccine can prevent 4 types of meningococcal disease, which is a very serious disease caused by bacteria.  Meningococcal disease is the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children 2-18 years old in the United States.  Meningitis is an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.  Anyone can get meningitis.  Approximately 2,600 people in the United States get meningococcal infections each year.  10-15% of these people die, in spite of treatment with antibiotics.  Of those who live, another 11-19% lose their arms or legs, become deaf, have nervous system problems, become mentally retarded or suffer seizures or strokes.  It is recommended that all children 11 years of age and older be vaccinated to prevent this potentially fatal infection.  Talk to one of our providers to learn more about this highly recommended vaccine.

Gardisil/HPV Vaccine

Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted virus in the United States.  There are many different types of HPV and millions are infected each year.  Although these types of infections do not cause any symptoms and will go away on their own, it is important to know that HPV can cause genital warts and cervical cancer in women.  A breakthrough vaccine has been developed, known as Gardisil.  This vaccine protects against 4 major types of HPV.  This vaccine can prevent most genital warts and most cases of cervical cancer. This vaccine is recommended for all females between the ages of 9 and 26 years of age.  This series consists of 3 injections:  1st dose now, 2nd dose two months from the first, and a 3rd dose 6 months from the first.  Ask one of our providers for more information about getting vaccinated.

Varicella Vaccine

    It is state mandated that all children who have not had the chicken pox receive the Varicella vaccine.  It is now recommended that your child receive a booster dose.  The initial dose of the vaccine is administered to all 12 month old patients.  We are administering the booster dose at your child's 4-5 yr physical.  All other patients who have not had the chicken pox, the vaccine, or their booster dose, will need to receive this vaccine.

ATTENTION ALL FAMILIES!

MEET SOME OF OUR PATIENTS:

Allison Vogle and Dr. Bangash

Taylor Schwartzwalder & Leah Chutka

Marie & Jakob Bachhausen

Isabelle Chamberlain

Austin Ross

Bring in your child's picture at your next appointment and we will feature it on our website!