Dr Raley's Blog

Immunizations - again

Looks like the anti-immunization  coalition is back at it again.  I have had more parents over the last couple of weeks doubt their own judgement and doubt the advice of their pediatrician than I can remember.  First Oprah, then Jenny McCarthy, and now the infamous Hannah Polling case. 

I feel bad for Hannah Polling.  However, it was not immunizations that have caused her issues.  I have copied a current article from the New England Journal of Medicine which I hope to have posted on my web site in the next week.  It is long, it is complicated, but informative.  More then. 

Menactra

Meningococcemia is a severe bacterial illness that can cause blood infections, meningitis and death.  I currently give the vaccine called Menactra to help prevent meningococcemia to kids 12 years and older.  Menactra has recently been approved for children 2-12 who have certain chronic conditions like immune deficiencies, etc. 

It is not rec. by the AAP to give to otherwise healthy kids.  However, this is a devasting disease-(see links.)  All it takes is to see one child with it to know that the vaccine is the right thing to do. 

My 5 y/o twins will be getting it.  It may or may not be covered by insurance.  I think the cost of the vaccine is about $125-it is giving every 7 years.  Unfortunately the highest risk group is for children under the age of 2-which it has not been approved for.  Notice there is a difference b/w approved and rec.  Even though for kids b/w 2-12 it is not routinely recommended, it has been approved for use. 

Meningococcemia is very difficult to diagnose.  The symptoms are often very similar to the flu.  The bacteria is "colonized" in most adults-but effects very few people.  Unsure on why that is.   The rash below is characteristic but is often a late stage sign.  Generally, kids feel and look horrible.  That is why I always stress that not nec. the height of the fever, but how the child looks with the fever. 

Call if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appt. 

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001349.htm

/www.bact.wisc.edu/themicrobialworld/meningococcemia1.jpg

Jenny McCarthy (cont)

Eamil Oprah and have her check this site out. 

http://www.chop.edu/consumer/jsp/microsite/microsite.jsp?id=75918

Vaccine recall

The vaccine that was recalled (HIB) was  from different lot numbers than any that we have now or have given in the past. 

FluMist

FluMist clinic on 10/27 from 10am until noon.  All kids 2 and older, plus parents.  The cost is $35 which must be paid up-front, then we will bill the insurance company.  You must call and schedule an appt time.

flumist

We will get in 20 more doses of FluMist in the next few days.  If you  (parents) have not received a flu vaccine is still not too late.  According to nationwide flu data, the cases in Oklahoma are just sporadic only and not widespread. 

These extra doses would be good for parents who just had a baby or have a child under 6 months who will not be able to receive a flu vaccine this year. 

Call the office if you would like to receive a dose.

Varicella

Download IZSchedule_Childhood.pdf

There has been a recent update to the immunization schedule.  The AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) is now rec. a second dose of the varicella vaccine (chicken pox)for all kids who have received just a single dose-which in my practice your kids get at 15 months.  If your child has had chicken pox either before the 1st dose or after getting the 1st dose, they will not need the second dose. 

I will give the 2nd dose at the 3 y/o check up when there are not other immunizations typically given.  For older kids we will catch up at either the 4 y/o or 11/12 y/o check up. 

Flu Vaccine

We have recently used up the last of our FluMist and will not be getting any more in. We will still be giving the injectable flu vaccine to kids from 6months to 24 months through February/March. We may be able to obtain some injectable flu vaccine for for kids/adults older than 2 who did not receive the FluMist. Call the office for availability.

Flu Vaccine

We finally received some more flu vaccine in for kids 6m-24months. Please call the office to schedule an appt.

Flu and rotavirus vaccine

I hope most your kids have received or are scheduled to get the flu vaccine.  It is very unlikely to get the flu from the vaccine and most vaccines will provide up to 85% protection from getting the flu. 

By vaccinating the children (who are the vectors for the virus) we can help prevent the flu from the really vulnerable population which are adults over the age of 65. 

I am starting to see some stomach bugs-you know, diarrhea, vomiting and fever.  I do not think it is rotavirus-which is very nasty-but must be just around the corner.  I recently have began giving Rotateq which is an oral vaccine for rotavirus.  It is now available to all infants under the age of one.   It is a 3 dose series-each given 2 months apart.  Most, but not all, insurances are covering it.

Please call the office or discuss with me when your child is in for their next well or sick visit.