2006 Carseat AAP Guide

CDC Advisory Committee Recommends Human Papilloma Virus Vaccination  

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR OUR PATIENTS REGARDING A RECENT RECALL REPORT

Hib (Haemophilus influenza type B) and Comvax (Hib + Hepatitis B combined) vaccines: The manufacturer of these vaccines has announced a voluntary recall of specific lots due to potential sterility issues with the manufacturing process.  At South East Bay Pediatrics, the recall involves Comvax and Hib vaccines given after September 24, 2007 to December 12, 2007.  To date, none of the questionable lots have been found to be contaminated during testing, and no adverse reactions have been reported.  The efficacy of the vaccine is unchanged, so revaccination is not necessary.  Information about the recall and how it affects patients can be obtained from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Flu Vaccine

We will begin to offer 2008 Flu Vaccine in early October 2008.  Please continue to visit this site for further updates.

The flu vaccine is currently available in our office. To read more about the flu vaccine, feel free to access the CDC website directly. The CDC recommends the flu vaccine for the following individuals:

• All persons, including school-aged children, who want to reduce their risk of becoming ill with influenza or of spreading it to others
• All children 6 months to 5 years of age
• All persons 50 years or older
• All children and teenagers receiving long-term aspirin therapy
• All women who will be pregnant during the influenza season
• Adults and children with any of the following conditions:
  • a chronic disorder of the pulmonary or cardiovascular system
  • a chronic disease of the blood, liver, or kidneys, immunosuppression (e.g. caused by medications, HIV), or diabetes
  • compromised ability to handle respiratory secretions or an increased risk for aspiration (e.g. cognitive dysfunction, spinal cord injury, seizure disorder, or other neuromuscular disorder)
• All residents of nursing homes or other chronic-care facilities
• All healthcare personnel
• All household contacts (including children) and caregivers of children ages 0-5 years (especially younger than 6 months), adults 50 years and older, and persons having high-risk medical conditions
• Persons planning to travel to an area of the world with influenza activity (e.g. to the tropics at any time of the year)

HPV Vaccine

The CDC currently recommends the routine immunization against HPV for teenage girls beginning at 11 years of age. HPV, or Human Papilloma Virus, is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. While most infections are asymptomatic and up to 90% resolve in 1-2 years, some infections lead to genital warts and others lead to a chronic infection placing a woman at risk for cervical cancer. To read more about the HPV vaccine, feel free to access the CDC website directly.

Varicella Vaccine

The American Academy of Pediatrics has now recommended a second or booster dose for Varicella for children and teenagers who have never had chicken pox. Please contact our office for specific details on your child's immunizations status and when to get the second Varicella vaccine. To read more about the AAP recommendations and other information about vaccines, visit the AAP website.

Walk-In Office Hours Changes

Walk-In Office Hours are now from 8 am to 8:30 am Mondays thru Fridays, excluding holidays. We offer Drop-In Office Hours on Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. for urgent issues only (e.g. fever, vomiting, ear ache, sore throat, etc... - no well-checks nor follow-ups) and only for established patients (no new patients). For these office hours, patients will be seen on a first come first served basis; therefore arriving early will ensure prompt service. No appointment is necessary during these hours. Space is limited however, and you may be asked to schedule an appointment after 8:45 a.m. depending on patient flow. If the drop-in office hours are filled and cannot immediately accommodate you, you will be given the first available regular appointment later that morning.

Weekend Office Hours: South East Bay Pediatric Medical Group continues to provide weekend urgent care both Saturdays and Sundays beginning at 9:00 A.M. Please call to schedule an appointment after 9:00 A.M.