JUST BREATHE
We have had a turn-over in our staff in the last 2 months. This has impacted staffing the Flu clinics. We have hired two new nurses. Welcome Aisha and Karly! Once our new nurses are trained to use our computer system, we will open up more clinic times. Please be patient. Make sure to check back with us. If you are really in need of a flu vaccine, and can’t wait for us, please check with your local pharmacy to see if they will administer the flu vaccine to your child.
COVID VACCINE UPDATES
It is recommended that pregnant and breastfeeding moms get the COVID vaccine. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) has issued a statement. After careful review of data, the vaccine protects mothers from contracting the disease. COVID infection can precipitate pre-term labor, pregnancy complications and maternal death.
ACOG Recommends COVID vaccine in Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women
Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine: COVID Vaccine Patients JULY 29 2021 PDF
The FDA is reviewing the Pfizer studies in children 5 to 11 years of age. It is undergoing a strict review process. The COVID-19 vaccine for children age 5 through 11 is subject to the very same multi-step testing and approval process as all other COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 vaccines ─ including those routinely recommended for childhood vaccination.
CDC Planning for Children Getting COVID 19 Vaccine
The Pfizer vaccine will be a modified dose compared to the adult dose. It is a 10 microgram dose, which is one third the adult dose. It will still be 2 doses separated by 3 weeks. The needle used for administration is smaller than the one used for ages 12 years and older. It also will have an orange cap, as opposed to the purple cap on the adult dose. This will prevent any confusion at the time of vaccine administration.
AAP News 2021 Pfizer Pediatric COVID Vaccine Prep
Yale New Haven Health System, in preparation, will have administration sites immediately available once the vaccine is officially approved. In addition to the vaccine administrators, there will be Child Life specialists on hand to make it a more pleasant experience. Our practice is interested in being a site for vaccine administration. There is an approval process by the state which will cause some delay. In efforts to get our children vaccinated before the December Holidays, we will post the Yale Vaccine sites as soon as they are available.
DISTURBING TIK TOK CHALLENGE
Please be aware there has been a trend recently at schools where students are hitting and inappropriately touching teachers. There has been vandalizing and theft of school property. This is occurring nationwide and is consistent with challenges posted on social media platforms such as Tik Tok. Schools are not taking these acts as pranks. It can result in police involvement, suspension or even expulsion from school. It very important for parents to be aware of these incidents and for parents to monitor your child’s social media accounts. Young people are heavily influenced by social media. Have conversations with them about appropriate behaviors. As parents, you are working with school educators to help your children to develop into discerning adults who reflect the values of your families and community.
Please review our website on recommendations on social media accounts.
For parents: Your Child's Development, The Teen Years
Common Sense Media: Parent Concerns
AUTUMN FUN
The leaves are turning to the brilliant hues of the season, yellow, red, orange. The Fall season is here. Families are enjoying the fruits of the season with trips to our local farms for apple picking and with missions of finding the perfect pumpkin. The cumulation of the festivities at the end of the month is with Halloween. It is going to be different from pre-COVID days. It doesn’t mean it won’t be FUN. Parents will need to bring their positivity and creativity to make this year memorable. The American Academy of Pediatrics has made some great recommendations:
AAP Halloween COVID Safety Tips
A LONG GOOD-BYE
It is with great JOY and SADNESS, that we announce that Dr. Patrick Alvino will be retiring in the Spring of 2022. He has, over the years, developed wonderful relationships with families. It will be difficult to break them. In anticipation of his retirement, we are requesting that families who routinely see Dr. Alvino make their next Physical exam appointment with a new provider. Dr. Alvino will help those families who see him for their mental health concerns to find providers who are appropriate for their child’s needs.