Dear Amazing Centennial Valley Pediatrics Patients and Families,

Spring is in the air! We didn't get much winter this year (bummer), but it's exciting to see flowers starting to pop up, and know that the days are getting longer and warmer!

Welcome, Dr. Dee!

We are excited to welcome a new physician to our practice!

Dr. Deanne Hufnagel Wingerter (yes, Dr. Jake's wife) will start seeing patients in April. We are excited for her to join us! 

 

Measles in Colorado

Update

 

Our area of Colorado is, unfortunately, seeing a measles outbreak (an outbreak is defined as 3 or more linked cases). As of March 6, the last time this information was updated, there were a total of 8 cases so far in this local outbreak.

The cases all involve unvaccinated children between the ages of 5 and 17. All of the cases are tied to either Broomfield High School or Broomfield Heights Middle School. But there are now multiple areas where someone could have been exposed to these individuals, however, including schools, churches, hospitals, restaurants, and even a bowling alley.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that can make your child very sick. Some children even die.

Measles illness can lead to:

Hospitalization. About 1 in 5 unvaccinated people in the U.S. who get measles will need to be hospitalized. This is expensive, stressful, and scary for everyone.

Pneumonia. As many as 1 out of every 20 children with measles gets pneumonia, some of which need hospitalization. Even after recovery, they can be left with severe lung injuries.

Encephalitis. About 1 child out of every 1,000 who get measles will develop encephalitis (swelling of the brain). This can lead to seizures, deafness, or permanent physical or intellectual disability.

Death. 1-3 of every 1,000 children who become infected with measles will die from respiratory or neurologic complications. 

The best way to protect your child is the immunize them. The MMR vaccine is safe, effective, and available.

When can children get an MMR vaccine?

The usual timing is 12-15 months, and 4-5 yrs old. This schedule works well when measles is not circulating, and when your child has an extremely low likelihood of coming into contact with it.

During times of outbreak (now), or if you are traveling to areas of high measles activity, this schedule can be adjusted.

The youngest age that can receive an MMR vaccine is 6 months old. This dose helps protect the child at this younger age, but doesn't last. They will still need the usual doses at 12-15 months and 4-5 yrs old. There is no known harm from receiving an extra MMR dose.

A child who has received their 1st MMR dose can be given their 2nd dose as soon as 1 month later. They will not need to receive a dose again at 4-5 yrs old. 

One dose of MMR vaccine confers immunity to 92% of people. The 2nd dose confers immunity to 97% of people. 

The Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment (CDPHE) has good information about measles and updated information about the local circulation/outbreak. They also can instruct you on what to do if you think your child may have been exposed. Click here for their website. 

If you aren't sure if your child is as protected as they can be, call us to discuss. If you want to schedule a vaccine visit, call us. 

Safety Corner

Spring Outdoor Safety

 

As spring rolls in, it’s the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities with your family. But before you head out, here are some important outdoor spring safety tips to ensure your kids have a safe and healthy experience.

Wheeled Sports: Ensure helmets are properly fitted and always worn on bikes, scooters, skateboards, rollerblades, etc.

Playground Inspection: Check for broken equipment, sharp edges, rust, and hot surfaces before letting children play. Even when it's not that warm, our strong sun can make surfaces very hot!

Water Awareness: Keep children away from, or closely supervised, near all bodies of water

Tick Prevention: Use bug spray (max 30% DEET) and check for ticks after outdoor play, especially after being in long grasses or brushy areas.

Sun Protection: The sun is always strong in Colorado--it doesn't have to be warm outside! Apply sunscreen to exposed skin (SPF 30+) 30 mins before going out and reapply every 2 hours.

Clothing: Dress children in layers for changing weather and use long-sleeved shirts/pants in wooded areas to help avoid mosquito and tick bites. 

March CVP class: 

Respiratory issues….when to worry

Date/Time: March 28 at 10am

Location: CVP Broomfield office at Children's Hospital North

Call 303-666-7337 ext.138 to RSVP, at least 1 week prior

A reminder:

Please, PLEASE, check and DOUBLE CHECK the reminder that you get for your appointments. The office location is in this reminder. Remember, we have two locations. If you come to the wrong location for your appointment, you will likely not be able to be seen and will have to reschedule. We cannot just squeeze you in to a schedule you are not on, and you will be much too late if you try to go to the other office.

We truly regret turning anyone away, but it is not fair to the rest of the scheduled patients to see you late and make everyone else late as well. We know how frustrating this would be for you, so please, PLEASE be sure you know which office your appointment is scheduled in. 

Additionally, please be sure to arrive 15 minutes early. There is almost always paperwork to fill out! (sorry, but that's how it is!). If you're still filling out paperwork when your appointment starts, you miss valuable time with the provider!

Thank you!!

We love and appreciate our patients and families! Stay safe and healthy!

Love, Centennial Valley Pediatrics Providers and Staff