We hope this email finds you all healthy and well!

Spring is here! We're seeing flowers, the grass is greening up, the weather is getting warmer--we can't wait to get outside more! Hopefully you and your family also have plans to spend lots of time outdoors!

Summer is just around the corner!

In order to complete camp or sports clearance forms, we require a current check-up (done within the past 12 months). Call to schedule these now, while appointments are plentiful. As we near the end of summer, there often comes a big crush to schedule school and sports physicals, so get them done early!

Remember: we require 5 business days to complete these forms, so don't wait until the last minute!

 

We are going green(er)! We are now sending out billing statements electronically to your email only. If you would still like paper statements mailed to you, please let us know.

Because these emails need to be encrypted and sent securely, unfortunately, they can look like spam or phishing. We are working on changing that. But for now, be on the lookout for an encrypted email from:

Avanan Cloud Security <email_encryption@avanan-secure-email.com>

When you open it, there will be a heading with "Mytech Partners", which is our IT company. You will then see a link to "Read the Message", you should click that. You will then be asked to verify your email. Then you will be sent the email with the actual statement. 

Due to increasing concerns about vaccines lately, we will be starting a recurring information section, focusing on different vaccines. We want you, as parents, to know what these vaccines are for, why your child gets them at particular times, and answer your questions about safety.

We are fully in agreement with the American Academy of Pediatrics and CDC recommendations on the childhood immunization schedule, and will always encourage you to stick with this. Of course, we will work with you if you choose to vaccinate differently, but the schedule was created to be safe for your child, and to give them protection from serious childhood illnesses when they need it most. 

When you have questions, please reference trusted vaccine information sources, like:  Your pediatricians! :)

*Voices for Vaccines--a website meant for lay people, gives Information on vaccine preventable diseases, how vaccines work, and why to vaccinate

*Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Vaccine Education Center (VEC)--The Vaccine Education Center (VEC) was launched to provide accurate, comprehensive and up-to-date information about vaccines and the diseases they prevent. The VEC is funded by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and through philanthropic donations, and does not receive support from vaccine manufacturers.

*Talking about Vaccines with Dr. Paul Offit--Paul A. Offit, MD is Director of the Vaccine Education Center and professor of pediatrics in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Dr. Offit is an internationally recognized expert in the fields of virology and immunology, He has created a very watchable, parent friendly video series all about vaccines, how they work, what's in them, etc.

*Shot by Shot--stories of vaccine preventable illnesses from people who suffered them, or the families who had to watch. Shows the real life effect of these illnesses, that they do still exist, and that they can be devastating

This month, let's look at DTaP/Tdap vaccines (they cover the same 3 illnesses, but your child gets them at different ages). This vaccine prevents diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.

 

Diphtheria is caused by the bacteria Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Diphtheria is transmitted from person to person in respiratory droplets. Symptoms include fever, severe sore throat, sometimes with gray or white patches covering the back of the throat, causing trouble swallowing and even breathing. It also attacks the heart, kidneys and nerves, which can lead to heart failure, kidney failure, or paralysis.

Prior to a vaccine, every year in the United States, there would be 100,000-150,000 cases, and around 13,000-15,000 deaths, mostly in children. The diphtheria vaccine, first used in the United States in the early 1940s, has virtually eliminated the disease in this country. Now we see fewer than two cases a year. it is still found around the world, however, which means it is only a plane ride away.

Tetanus is caused by the bacteria Clostridium tetani. Unlike most vaccine-preventable diseases, tetanus is not a disease that you catch from someone else. The bacteria live in the soil and usually enter the body following punctures or wounds caused by things like nails or pieces of glass that were lying on the ground.  

Once under the skin, the bacteria make a toxin that causes severe muscle spasms. If these spasms affect the throat and jaw (lockjaw), they can interfere with breathing, causing suffocation. The tetanus toxin can also damage the heart.

Pertussis (also known as whooping cough) is caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. Whooping cough makes people cough uncontrollably, and children can also have difficulty breathing. It is not like any other cough--the cough is often so hard and so persistent that people can't catch their breath, and they make a "whooping" sound when they attempt to breathe in against a windpipe severely narrowed by mucus. The cough can be so violent that people can crack ribs, break blood vessels, or develop hernias. Pneumonia or seizures can also develop. Young infants can also experience bouts of apnea in which they briefly stop breathing. It is called the "100 day cough" because it often lasts 3 months, or longer. 

While pertussis is awful to experience as a teenager or adult, this age group most often recovers (but after months). Babies, however, are highly likely to have severe cases--infants under 6 months of age are the most at risk. About 50% of infants in this age group who contract pertussis will require hospitalization due to their severe symptoms, often requiring ICU care. About 2% die, despite medical care. 

Infants are given DTaP vaccine (often in a combo vaccine--Centennial Valley Peds uses Pediarix, which contains DTaP, Hepatitis B, and polio vaccines) at 2mo, 4mo, and 6mo. They are then given DTaP at 15mo, and 4-5 yrs old. Adolescents receive a booster dose of Tdap vaccine at age 11yrs. 

Why do children need so many doses?

The body needs time to develop a strong immune response and maintain long-term protection. Some vaccines can accomplish this in just 2 doses, but not DtaP. 

The initial series of doses, at 2, 4, and 6 months, establishes primary immunity. Subsequent booster doses at 15-18 months and 4-5 years are given to strengthen the immune memory and ensure continued protection, because immunity naturally wanes over time. 

Adults continue to need a booster every 10 yrs to maintain the immunity they have developed from their primary series, because of this waning effect.

What's in the vaccines?

Click here to be directed to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Vaccine Education Center's information of all vaccines. 

You can click further to see what each of these ingredients is, and why it's present in the vaccine.

Are the vaccines safe?

Yes.

Every action we take, there are risks and benefits. We choose to do things that are low risk, that have benefit to us (driving to work, owning a dog, eating take out food, etc)

Vaccines occasionally have side effects, that while bothersome or disturbing for parents, are overall, mild--fever, redness or swelling at the injection site; exceedingly rarely, there can be a severe allergic reaction. 

There are no known deaths from this vaccine, and severe side effects are exceedingly rare. But there are deaths or serious injury from all 3 illnesses the vaccines prevent. Therefore, the benefit outweighs the risk. 

Construction is going on at the Hwy 7 and Hwy 25 interchange.There may be significant delays if you come from these routes. Please plan some extra time to navigate this.

Thank you!

Do you know we have same day appointments available for sick/injured children, everyday? For a small fee, we even have extended hours into the evening M-F, and Saturday morning hours?

Before you head to Urgent Care or the ER, call us first! We may be able to see you and save you time and money! Plus, we are a familiar place for you and your children, and we know them best!

If you're not sure if your child's issue should be seen in our office, or you're not sure if it can wait a few hours or until the next day, call us to discuss!

We love and appreciate our patients and families! Stay safe and healthy, and enjoy these sunny, warm days!

Love, Centennial Valley Pediatrics Providers and Staffazing Centennial Valley Pediatrics Patients and Caregivers,