As of yesterday, the FDA has updated the recommendation for COVID vaccine schedules-to include increased use of the bivalent COVID vaccines and phase out the original monovalent COVID vaccines.
https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/24110/FDA-simplifies-COVID-vaccine-dosing-all-mRNA
We encourage those with sick symptoms to continue to wear a mask in the office.
All providers and staff members will continue to mask if requested as well – please let the front desk know if you prefer your care team is wearing masks for your visit.
Thanks!
There has been an increase in medication shortages at pharmacies recently. With certain medications, parents and patients are able to get the medication transferred directly by the pharmacist to a different location if the pharmacy is the same company (such as a Walgreens to a Walgreens). This will often be the fastest and easiest solution if the second pharmacy is within reasonable distance. All medication prescription details can be found on MyChart if the pharmacist has questions.
If the medication needs to be substituted (like a change in the type of antibiotic), or if you are requiring a pharmacy change (like Walgreens to Safeway), you may need to speak with the pharmacist.
If a pharmacy (like Walgreens) is out of a medication at all nearby locations, and you need to transfer it to a different pharmacy company (like Safeway or Walmart), please call nearby pharmacies to ask if they have your medication available. If they do, that pharmacy can initiate the transfer for you. This saves you a call to our office.
If a pharmacy is out of a medication, and you would like to use that pharmacy still, please ask them if they have similar medications in stock and what the name and strength is, our office will need this information to place a new order.
If a medication is not covered or has a high out-of-pocket cost, you will need to reach out to your insurance company to see what similar medications are preferred under your specific plan. Once you have the preferred medication information, please leave a message with our office with this information.
Our office may not always be able to change the medication if the replacement options will not work for the prescribed reason.
If you have additional concerns or questions and would like to speak with a nurse, please call the office. Thank you!
COVID bivalent booster vaccine age 6 month +
Update: We anticipate approval of the COVID bivalent booster vaccine for ages 6 months and above in the coming month. For those interested in the bivalent booster vaccine for this age range, see indications listed below.
1. If child has already had all 3 doses of the COVID vaccine 6 month+ series they are NOT eligible for the bivalent vaccine at this time.
2. If child has not yet completed the 3 dose series they will get the bivalent vaccine for the third dose. They cannot get the original formula as a 3rd dose once the bivalent is available under the new guidelines.
3. Child must have the first 2 doses of the initial/monovalent formula before getting bivalent dose.
We anticipate having the bivalent COVID vaccine for this age in the office by January 2. At this time, we are recommending if you have completed the first two doses, waiting to complete the third dose until the updated bivalent option is available.
Last updated 12/4/22.
We are seeing a large increase in the number of viral illnesses circulating in the community. Particularly we are seeing more RSV
(respiratory syncytial virus) and are just beginning to see flu cases as well. There is an unusually high number of children requiring medical care for these illnesses for this time of the year, so we thought some reminders would be helpful!
RSV stands for respiratory syncytial virus. It is a viral illness, and can cause a range of illness from the common cold to bronchiolitis (inflammation in the lower lungs). This particular virus is extremely common in young children, though it can affect persons of all ages. It tends to affect and cause more severe illness in young infants and children.
RSV is associated with symptoms similar to a common cold, which include:
Some mild cases of influenza or RSV may resolve with supportive care of symptoms at home. However, if you notice any serious symptoms such as breathing difficulties or a persistent high fever, you should seek medical attention. It is often better to be safe than sorry even when dealing with a mild case, as early evaluation can be key to determine if further treatment is needed. Very young infants and children with other medical conditions, like asthma, are at higher risk for more serious illness.
Flu testing is available in the office during a visit with one of our providers. We do not routinely test for RSV in the office, as there is no specific medication used in RSV illness, unless a child needs oxygen treatment. Based on the outcome of your evaluation, our providers will be able to recommend a course of treatment if needed to relieve symptoms associated with your child’s illness.
Respiratory syncytial virus is a virus that typically appears to be a common cold at first. RSV can develop into pneumonia and bronchiolitis in younger children and infants.
There has been an increase in emergency visits across the country this year from RSV and the flu.
Fall and winter are the typical seasons to see the highest cases of flu and RSV. Parents should be aware of the signs of RSV and flu and what to do if they recognize them.
Symptoms of RSV and flu can include the following:
Parents who observe any concern for breathing difficulties or respiratory distress should call our office immediately or go to the nearest emergency room. Parents who notice a significant decrease in wet diapers a day should contact our office. These can be signs of dehydration and low oxygen levels that may require the child to be admitted to the hospital for ongoing care.
RSV and flu are spread through infected droplets from the mouth or nose. They can survive on hands and infected surfaces. It is important for parents to wash their hands frequently and keep surfaces clean. Be careful not to rub your eyes, especially if you have been around anyone who could be infected.
If you have any concerns or questions, or you would like to schedule an appointment please call our office at (303) 779-5437.
Every year we offer Flu Clinics for our families, and this year we are hoping to simplify the process by using MyChart to schedule clinic appointments. We will not be accepting walk-ins for flu vaccines this year. Flu clinics are for Peds 5280 patients and families only. We are working hard to make sure you have a great Flu Clinic experience this year and look forward to seeing everyone!
Learn More About our 2022 Flu Clinic
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) recently sent out communications to families regarding routine vaccinations not being up-to-date. Please view the link at the bottom of this message for the state information regarding this message.
If you would like to double check your child’s immunization status you can view their immunization record. This is easiest via the web instead of through the MyChart app. Go to pediatrics5280.com and click ‘login to mychart’. After logging in, switch the user from yourself to your child. Click the menu and select health summary. Click the link ‘view printable immunizations’.
After their 4 year well child visit, children should have 2 MMR vaccine and 2 Varicella vaccine dates listed, and after their 5 year visit they should have 5 DTaP vaccine and 4 IPV (Polio) vaccine dates listed. This could vary if your child received vaccines elsewhere or your child had a different vaccine schedule.
If you believe your child is overdue for their vaccines, please send a separate MyChart message to the nurses, or call our office to speak with a nurse.
Colorado State Link: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/press-release/cdphe-to-send-vaccine-reminder-texts-and-emails-to-parents-and-guardians
This weekend, COVID vaccines were approved by the FDA and CDC for children ages 6 months-5 years. We will be offering the Pfizer COVID vaccine in our office for this age range. We are working on getting the doses for younger children in our office and ready to go-the office will post again and send MyChart blast messaging when scheduling is available. You can check the CO Health Department website (https://covid19.colorado.gov/kids-vaccines) for other available vaccination locations, or if you are looking for the Moderna vaccine. Our providers recommend either vaccine option.
The Pfizer COVID-19 booster vaccine was recently approved by the FDA and CDC advisory committees for ages 5 and up. The booster dose
can be given 5 months after the 2nd dose in the original series. A nurse appointment to receive the booster dose can be made on MyChart.
The formula shortage has been affecting many of our patients. Please see below for more information from the American Academy of Pediatrics and an infographic on cross brand substitution
options.
Reminder: making homemade formula or adding extra water to formula can be dangerous for infants.
More information/advice on formula shortage from the American Academy of Pediatrics
