Latest News  

  
2010-2011 Influenza vaccine recommendations
The seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for anyone over 6 months
old, with a booster dose at least 28 days after the first dose for
certain kids under 9 years old (see below*).  The live vaccine
(FluMist) can be given to any patient over 2 who does not have
asthma or underlying medical conditions, but must not be given
within 4 weeks of any other live vaccine.
 

*All children 6 months through 8 years of age are recommended to
receive 2 doses of 2010-11 flu vaccine unless they have received:

  1. at least 1 dose of 2009 H1N1 vaccine last flu season, and
  2. at least 1 dose of seasonal vaccine prior to the 2009-2010 flu season or 2 doses of seasonal flu vaccine last flu season
The second dose should be given 28 or more days after the
first dose.
Because seasonal flu viruses change every year, the vaccine is updated annually.  This year the seasonal flu vaccine contains H1N1 as one of its components, so a separate vaccine is not necessary.

Starting in the fall, we will begin vaccinating all patients over 6
months old who need the vaccine at their scheduled well visits, as supplies last. If any of your children are due for well visits between September and December, we will vaccinate all of your children at
that time. Patients who need the vaccine can also call to schedule an appointment, while appointments and vaccine are available. 
 
H1N1 and Seasonal Influenza Virus
Fortunately most cases of influenza that we have seen in
children are mild and don't require a visit to the doctor or even a
call to the nurse.  If you are concerned that your child has the flu,
please check our influenza handout for guidelines. Testing for the influenza virus has been limited to patients who are sick enough
to be hospitalized or are in severe respiratory distress.  Schools no
longer require testing in order to return.
 
Most people who have been sick with influenza have recovered
at home without treatment. If your child has flu-like symptoms,
please keep him or her at home until fever-free for 24 hours (without
fever-reducing medicine) an until they are feeling better.
 
 
With the flu, complications can occur. Seek emergency medical
care or page the doctor on call if your child becomes ill and
experiences any of the following warning signs:
 
  • Fast breathing
  • Trouble breathing
  • Bluish or gray skin color
  • Not drinking enough fluids
  • Not urinating as much as usual
  • Severe or persistent 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 occurs. For example, it was 101
    degrees Fahrenheit for several days and now it’s 103 degrees.
Remember, the best way to prevent illness is to
wash your hands frequently!
 
Recent medication recalls

5/1/10  Information on the recall of  brand-name liquid McNeil
products, such as  Infant and Children's Tylenol, Motrin, Zyrtec, and
dye-free Benedryl , can be found on the FDA website.  Chewable,
generic or store-brand equivalents of the same medicine are not a
part of the recall. 

3/23/10  Our office does not use the Rotarix vaccine of concern.

The H1N1 vaccine given in our office is not effected by the recalls on 12/15/09, 12/22/09 and 1/20/10. For information on the recall of
injectible H1N1  vaccine, click here.  For information on the recall 
of the nasal mist form of the H1N1 vaccine, click here.