It is almost time! The approval of the COVID vaccine for children under age 5 appears imminent!

To our very patient parents of children under 5 years of age:

It is almost time!

Parents of children under the age of 5 may finally be able to breathe a sigh of relief as approval of the vaccines for children under age 5 appears imminent. This is what we know so far….

*** June 15 will be the new meeting date for the Moderna EUA request for 6 months through 5 years of age and Pfizer-BioNTech EUA request for 6 months through 4 years of age, based on the expected completion of a EUA submission.

We understand that there may be some trepidation in vaccinating our youngest population. That being said, we are planning on providing the covid vaccinations in our office. We hope to make the experience as pleasant and safe as possible. We have many resources that we can offer to parents and caregivers for those that have questions, concerns, or just want more information.

The providers at Doctors’ Pediatric fully endorse and recommend the covid vaccine for children under age 5. We’ve seen a range of symptoms among children, from very mild to serious illness, and in some cases even requiring hospitalization. That’s why we recommend COVID-19 vaccination for children

Getting children vaccinated against COVID-19 can help keep them

from getting really sick even if they do get COVID-19
in school and daycare
safely participating in sports, playdates, and other group activities

We know parents and caregivers have questions and want more information. Here’s what you need to know.

Children can still get very sick from COVID-19.

Children can get infected with COVID-19, get very sick, suffer short- and long-term health complications, and spread COVID-19 to others.

The COVID-19 vaccination is safe and effective for children.

COVID-19 vaccination has been studied carefully in children. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the expert panel that works with them have reviewed the data from clinical trials. Through ongoing safety monitoring, vaccination for children continues to be safe and effective. Here are some important points about COVID-19 vaccination for children:

COVID-19 vaccine dosage is based on age on the day of vaccination, not by size or weight. Children get an age-appropriate dose that is the right amount for them.
The COVID-19 vaccine for children has the same active ingredients as the vaccine given to adults and teens. However, the vaccine that is given to adults and teens cannot be given to children.
The safety of the COVID-19 vaccine continues to be monitored. Serious health events, including severe allergic reactions and myocarditis and pericarditis, after COVID-19 vaccination, is rare.
The benefits of COVID-19 vaccination for children outweigh the known and potential risks.
Your child may get the COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines, including the flu vaccine, at the same time.

Side effects may occur and are mild and temporary.

Your child may have some side effects after getting vaccinated. These are normal and usually go away in a few days. Some common side effects are

Pain, redness, or swelling on the arm
Tiredness
Headache
Muscle pain, chills, or fever
Nausea

Some children will have no side effects and severe allergic reactions are VERY rare. If your child experiences a severe allergic reaction after getting a COVID-19 vaccine, we are ready to respond. Most of the time, the only things your child might need after vaccination is rest, a non-aspirin pain reliever, and a cool washcloth at the injection site. Contact us if you need more information about treating potential side effects.

As more information becomes available, we will be updating everyone in regards to the timeline, vaccination clinics, etc.

Now a Word From Your Pediatrician……

The Formula Shortage, what should I do?

Dr. Renda, on behalf of all of the providers at Doctors’ Pediatric, has provided some much-needed suggestions on what you can do to help you get through this unprecedented formula shortage.

IMPORTANT RECALL NOTICE!!!

Abbott is initiating a proactive, voluntary recall of powder formulas, including Similac®, Alimentum® and EleCare® manufactured in Sturgis, Mich., one of the company’s manufacturing facilities.

For more information and to find out if you have any of the recalled formulas please visit:https://www.similacrecall.com/us/en/home.html

CT WiZ? Say what?

What is CT WiZ?

CT WiZ is the statewide Immunization Information System (IIS) designed to meet national standard requirements for effective tracking and administration of immunizations in a public health setting. It is a web-based database that maintains complete, accurate, and secure immunization records for patients vaccinated in Connecticut. All personal information including immunization status and dates of immunization of individuals shall be confidential as required by Connecticut law.

Will reporting to CT WiZ violate HIPAA requirements?

No. Physicians are authorized to disclose immunization histories to the CT WiZ Program and its authorized agents without patient authorization or opportunity to object because:

It is required by law.
It is part of public health activities.

The information that we request is what is minimally necessary to satisfy the objective of the state registry. Practices should however keep an accounting of each disclosure that is made to CT WIZ.

Click here for more information regarding the impact of the HIPAA Privacy rule on public health.

Who has access to the information in CT WiZ?

Connecticut state law requires that information in CT WiZ be kept confidential. Only you, your doctor, health care workers who can assist you with missed appointments or missed immunizations, and your school nurse have access to CT WIZ. The information will not be shared with any other people or any other agency unless you have signed a Release of Information. Please click here for the form in English-Spanish (pdf).

How do patients opt-out of inclusion in CT WiZ?

CT WiZ records are kept confidential by law. Only healthcare workers and the patient themselves can access immunization records. The information will not be shared with any other people or any other agency unless you have signed a Release of Information. Patients who are in CT WiZ are able to access their immunization records electronically using the secure online CT WiZ Public Portal. If you opt-out, CT WiZ will no longer maintain your immunization record and you will not be able to access your immunization record from the CT WiZ Public Portal.

The immunization record of the patient shall be reported to and maintained by CT WiZ unless the patient, or for a minor, their parent or guardian submits a written request to the CT Department of Public Health (DPH) requesting that the immunization record no longer be maintained. Should someone wish to opt-out, the written request should include the person’s full legal name, date of birth, and address so staff can locate the individual that is opting out in the system. Routine emailed messages are not considered to be a secure mode of communication. For the confidentiality of your patient information, please do not email your opt-out request. Requests to opt-out should be mailed or faxed to:

CT DPH, CT WiZ
410 Capitol Avenue, MS # 11 MUN
Hartford, CT 06134-0308
OR
Fax: 860-707-1925

CLICK HERE for more information regarding CT Wiz

Updated Office Policy

In keeping with current guidelines, we have updated our policies for in-person WELL visits. We want to assure you that our number one priority continues to be the safety of both our patients and staff. They are as follows:

Spring Fever!!!

Spring fever is here!

Don’t forget, COVID is here too. Guidelines for vaccinated individuals have certainly changed in regard to being in groups unmasked indoors, but the recommendations really haven’t changed for unvaccinated people. Children less than 16 years fall under this category. [Read more…] about Spring Fever!!!

To Vaccinate or Not to Vaccinate, that is NOT the question

To Vaccinate or Not To Vaccinate

To Vaccinate or Not to Vaccinate, that is NOT the question. The question is, when and where may I get my covid vaccine?

The past year has brought most of us to our emotional limits and ramped up anxiety and stress. For many of us, the COVID vaccine is like the sun coming out at the end of an apocalyptic movie. It feels like a sign of hope. For others of us, the vaccine is anything but……. [Read more…] about To Vaccinate or Not to Vaccinate, that is NOT the question

The Formula Shortage, what should I do?

In keeping with current guidelines, we have updated our policies for in-person WELL visits. We want to assure you that our number one priority continues to be the safety of both our patients and staff. They are as follows:

Spring fever is here!

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