• Flu Vaccine 2008-2009

• Resolutions for 2009

• Television Viewing Discouraged

• Winter Health Safety

• Winter Sports Safety

• Make your home safe

• Cough and Cold Medicine (not recommended)

• Dress for the Weather

• New Vitamin D Recommendation

• Facts for parents about vaccine safety

• Stop the spread of Germs

• Keep your child safe from Lead Poisoning

• BPA Is it safe?

• MRSA Information

• Build a Better Reader

• Did you know?

 

 

Flu vaccine 2008-2009

There is still time to get a flu vaccine for your child.  If you would like your child to receive this vaccine call the Westlake office to set up an appointment.

Prevention of Influenza: Recommendations for Influenza Immunization in Children, 2008-2009

1. The recommended age range of children for annual influenza immunization has been

    expanded to include all children 6 months through 18 years of age. This means

    vaccinating:

Ø  All children at higher risk for influenza complications (eg, those with chronic

            medical conditions or immunosuppression).

Ø  All healthy children 6 through 59 months of age.

Ø  All children 5 through 18 years of age, if feasible, in the 2008-2009 influenza

            season, but should be routine no later than the 2009-2010 season.

    This expansion targets all school-aged children, the population that bears the greatest

    disease burden and is at significantly higher risk of needing influenza-related medical

    care compared with healthy adults. Additionally, reducing influenza transmission among

     school-aged children will in turn reduce transmission of influenza to household contacts

     and community members.

 2. Household members and out-of-home care providers of all high-risk children and

    adolescents and of all healthy children younger than 5 years of age also should receive

    influenza vaccine each year. Immunization of the close contacts of high-risk children is

    intended to reduce the risk of exposure to influenza for these young children, who are 

    at serious risk of influenza infection, hospitalization, and complications.

    Influenza vaccine has not been approved for children younger than 6 months.  

3. On the basis of global surveillance of circulating influenza strains, all 3 strains in the

    2008-2009 influenza vaccines are different from last year’s strains.

 4. The number of influenza vaccine dose(s) to be administered is age dependent :

Ø  Children 9 years and older who previously have not received the influenza vaccine need only one dose in their first season of immunization.

Ø  In contrast, any child younger than 9 years receiving an influenza vaccine for the first time should receive a second dose at least 4 weeks after the first.

Ø  Children younger than 9 years who received only one dose of influenza vaccine in the first season they were vaccinated should receive 2 doses of influenza vaccine the following season. This recommendation applies only to the influenza season that follows the first year that a child younger than 9 years receives influenza vaccine.

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NEW GUIDELINES DOUBLE THE AMOUNT OF RECOMMENDED VITAMIN D

 

Below is a news release on a press briefing at the 2008 National Conference and Exhibition (NCE) of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).  Frank Greer, MD, FAAP, chairman of the AAP National Committee on Nutrition and a lead author of the AAP Clinical Report "Prevention of Rickets and Vitamin D Deficiency in Infants, Children, and Adolescents," will present the key recommendations in the report at 10:45 a.m. Monday, Oct. 13 in the press briefing room 307 of the Hynes Convention Center. Carol C. Wagner, MD, FAAP, a member of the AAP Section on Breastfeeding Executive Committee and co-author of the report, will be available for telephone interviews. The report is embargoed until Monday, Oct. 13 at 12:01 a.m. ET.

For Release: Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, 12:01 am ET

BOSTON - The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is doubling the amount of vitamin D it recommends for infants, children and adolescents. The new clinical report, "Prevention of Rickets and Vitamin D Deficiency in Infants, Children, and Adolescents," recommends all children receive 400 IU a day of vitamin D, beginning in the first few days of life. The previous recommendation, issued in 2003, called for 200 IU per day beginning in the first two months of life.

The change in recommendation comes after reviewing new clinical trials on vitamin D and the historical precedence of safely giving 400 IU per day to the pediatric population. Clinical data show that 400 units of vitamin D a day will not only prevent rickets, but treat it. This bone-softening disease is preventable with adequate vitamin D, but dietary sources of vitamin D are limited, and it is difficult to determine a safe amount of sunlight exposure to synthesize vitamin D in a given individual. Rickets continues to be reported in the United States in infants and adolescents. The greatest risk for rickets is in exclusively breastfed infants who are not supplemented with 400 IU of vitamin D a day.

Adequate vitamin D throughout childhood may reduce the risk of osteoporosis. In adults, new evidence suggests that vitamin D plays a role in the immune system and may help prevent infections, autoimmune diseases, cancer and diabetes.

"We are doubling the recommended amount of vitamin D children need each day because evidence has shown this could have life-long health benefits," said Frank Greer, MD, FAAP, chair of the AAP Committee on Nutrition and co-author of the report. "Supplementation is important because most children will not get enough vitamin D through diet alone."

"Breastfeeding is the best source of nutrition for infants. However, because of vitamin D deficiencies in the maternal diet, which affect the vitamin D in a mother’s milk, it is important that breastfed infants receive supplements of vitamin D," said Carol Wagner, MD, FAAP, member of the AAP Section on Breastfeeding Executive Committee and co-author of the report. "Until it is determined what the vitamin D requirements of the lactating mother-infant dyad are, we must ensure that the breastfeeding infant receives an adequate supply of vitamin D through a supplement of 400 IU per day."

The new recommendations include:

· Breastfed and partially breastfed infants should be supplemented with 400 IU a day of vitamin D beginning in the first few days of life.

· All non-breastfed infants, as well as older children, who are consuming less than one quart per day of vitamin D-fortified formula or milk, should receive a vitamin D supplement of 400 IU a day.

· Adolescents who do not obtain 400 IU of vitamin D per day through foods should receive a supplement containing that amount.

· Children with increased risk of vitamin D deficiency, such as those taking certain medications, may need higher doses of vitamin D.

Given the growing evidence that adequate vitamin D status during pregnancy is important for fetal development, the AAP also recommends that providers who care for pregnant women consider measuring vitamin D levels in this population.

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Resolutions for 2009

This is the time of the year when many of us resolve to change things to improve our lives.  Here are a few suggestions to help provide the best for your children:

• Make sure your children's immunizations are up to date

• Provide a tobacco free environment in your home and car.

• Read to your child everyday.  Starting as early as 6 months of age leads to good communication skills and motivates them to read.

• Practice safety.  Wear seatbelts and use car seats appropriate for the age and weight of your child.  Wear helmets when biking, skating or skateboarding and use safety gear appropriate for the sport your child is participating in.

• Review home safety and child proofing in your home.  Crawl around and see your house through your child's eyes.

• Pay attention to nutrition.  Decrease your consumption of processed foods and be sure to provide foods from several food groups at each meal.

• Be involved in your child's school and education.

• Make your child feel important and loved.

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Television Viewing Discouraged

TELEVISION VIEWING UNDER 2 YEARS NOT RECOMMENDED

Pediatricians widely believe the first two years of a child’s life are a critical time because the brain isn’t fully developed at birth.  A majority of brain development is completed in response to the child’s environment during the first 18 to 24 months of life.  Time spent watching television takes away from activities such as playing, talking with caregivers and exploring the world around them, all of which have been proven to help development.

For children over two years of age their brain has matured and they can understand language and control their attention.  Educational television programs can be beneficial beginning at this age but there is still debate among researchers and doctors about how television affects young children’s minds. 

Although there are potential benefits from viewing some television shows, such as the promotion of positive aspects of social behavior (eg, sharing, manners, and cooperation), many negative health effects also can result. Children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the messages conveyed through television, which influence their perceptions and behaviors.  Many younger children cannot discriminate between what they see and what is real. Research has shown primary negative health effects on violence and aggressive behavior; sexuality; academic performance; body concept and self-image; nutrition, dieting, and obesity; and substance use and abuse patterns.

 

The AAP recommends the following guidelines for parents:

1.       Limit children's total media time (with entertainment media) to no more than 1 to 2 hours of quality programming per day.

2.       Remove television sets from children's bedrooms.

3.       Discourage television viewing for children younger than 2 years, and encourage more interactive activities that will promote proper brain development, such as talking, playing, singing, and reading together.

4.       Monitor the shows children and adolescents are viewing. Most programs should be informational, educational, and nonviolent.

5.       View television programs along with children, and discuss the content. Two recent surveys involving a total of nearly 1500 parents found that less than half of parents reported always watching television with their children.^5,47

6.       Use controversial programming as a stepping-off point to initiate discussions about family values, violence, sex and sexuality, and drugs.

7.       Use the videocassette recorder wisely to show or record high-quality, educational programming for children.

8.       Support efforts to establish comprehensive media-education programs in schools.

9.       Encourage alternative entertainment for children, including reading, athletics, hobbies, and creative play.

^{~AAP/Plain Dealer (Dec 08)}

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Winter Health Safety 

Hypothermia:

Hypothermia develops when a child's temperature falls below normal due to exposure to cold.  It often happens when a youngster is playing outdoors in extremely cold weather without wearing proper clothing.

As hypothermia sets in, the child may shiver and become lethargic and clumsy.  His speech may become slurred and his body temperature will decline.  If you suspect your child is hypothermic, call 911 at once.  Until help arrives, take the child indoors, remove any wet clothing, and wrap him in blankets and warm clothes.

Frostbite:

Frostbite happens when the skin and outer tissues become frozen. Set reasonable time limits on outdoor play.  Have children come inside periodically to warm up. This condition tends to happen on extremities like the fingers, toes, ears and nose.  

These areas may become pale, gray and blistered.  At the same time, the child may complain that her skin burns or has become numb.  If frostbite occurs, bring the child indoors and place the frostbitten parts of her body in warm (not hot) water.  Warm washcloths may be applied to frostbitten nose, ears and lips.  Do not rub the frozen areas.  After a few minutes, dry and cover her with clothing or blankets.  Give her something warm to drink.  If the numbness continues for more than a few minutes, call your doctor.

Common winter Ailments:

Nosebleeds:  If your child suffers from winter nosebleeds, try using a cold air humidifier in their room at night.  Saline nose drops may help keep tissues moist.  If bleeding is severe or recurrent, consult your pediatrician.

Dry skin:  Many pediatricians feel that bathing two or three times a week is enough for the infant's first year.  More frequent baths may dry out the skin, especially during the winter.  Use of a moisturizer daily and after baths will help dry skin.

Colds:  Cold weather does not cause colds or flu.  But the viruses that cause colds and flu tend to be more common in the winter, when children are in school or daycare and are in closer contact with each other.  Frequent hand washing and teaching your child to sneeze or cough into their elbows may help reduce the risk of colds and flu.

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Winter Sports Safety

Ice Skating

-Allow children to skate only on approved surfaces.  Ice skating should be done at regulated rinks and not on ponds, rivers or other bodies of water that might be only partially frozen.  Check for signs posted by local police or recreation departments to find out which areas are approved.  

-Advise your child to skate in the same direction as the crowd.  Avoid darting across the ice.

-Never skate alone.

-Do not chew gum or hard candy when skating.

-Wear appropriate clothing and safety equipment.

Sledding  

-Keep sledders away from motor vehicles and bodies of water.

-Children should be supervised.  Keep young children separated from older children.  Avoid sledding in overcrowded areas.

-Sledding feet first or sitting up, instead of lying down head-first, may prevent head injuries.

-Sleds should be structurally sound and free of sharp edges and splinters, and the steering mechanism should be well lubricated.

-Sled slopes should be free of obstructions like trees or fences, be covered in snow not ice, not be too steep (slope of less than 30 degrees) and end with a flat runoff.

Snow Skiing and Snowboarding

-Children should be taught to ski or snowboard by a qualified instructor in a program designed for children.  Slopes should fit the ability and experience of the skier or snowboarder.  Avoid overcrowded slopes.

-Never ski or snowboard alone.  Young children should always be supervised by an adult.  Older children's need for supervision depends on their maturity and skill.  If they are not with an adult, then they should at least be accompanied by a friend.

-The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under age 7 not snowboard.

-Equipment should fit the child.  Skiers should wear safety bindings that are adjusted at least every year.  Snowboarders should wear gloves with built in wrist guards.  Consider wearing a helmet.

Snowmobiles    

-The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under age 16 not operate snowmobiles and that children under age 6 never ride on a snowmobile.

- Do not use a snowmobile to pull a sled or skiers.

-Wear safety goggles, boots and a helmet approved for use on motorized vehicles like motorcycles.  Travel at a safe speed.

-Never use alcohol or drugs before or during snowmobiling.

-Never snowmobile alone.

-Stay on marked trails, away from roads, water, railroads and pedestrians.

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Home Safety

It's impossible to make your home accident proof.  But you can reduce everyday risks, particularly for the children involved in about 2 million home accidents every year.  Children don't know the rules yet and are just being curious.  Almost anything within reach attracts their attention, and with little ones it goes straight into the mouth.

• Kitchen counter appliances-make sure all cords are kept up out of reach, don't use extension cords to reach an outlet.  Many appliances such as toasters, coffeepots and deep fryers have been pulled off counters causing thousands of injuries.

• Crawl through rooms to check the safety landscape from a toddler's point of view.

• Use gates, window guards and other barriers to contain children in living areas.

• Scour rooms for anything that isn't safe for children to handle, including medicines, cleaners and items small enough to swallow.

• Adults have a height advantage over even the most adventurous child, store potentially dangerous items in a high cabinet.  Consider installing cabinet locks as an extra line of defense.

For more safety checklists geared for parents, grandparents, about home playgrounds  baby products and more, go to  www.cpsc.gov.

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Stop the Spread of Germs

The main way that illnesses like colds and flu are spread is from person to person in respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes.  This is called "droplet spread."

This can happen when droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air and are deposited on the mouth or nose of people nearby.  Sometimes germs can also be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches his or her own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.  Some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs and desks.

    Ways to stop the spread of germs:

• Cover your mouth and nose.  Cough or sneeze into a tissue and throw it away.  Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue.  Then, clean your hands, and repeat every time you cough or sneeze.

• Clean your hands often.  It is recommended when washing your hands to do so for 15 to 20 seconds.  That's about the same time it takes to sing the "Happy Birthday" song twice!  If soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used.  If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry.  The alcohol in the gel kills the germs on your hands.

• Remind your children to practice healthy habits, too.  If allowed by your school, send your child with his or her own sanitizing gel and encourage them to use it.  Also, discourage them from sharing drinks with other children.

• Keep your child home from school if she is too sick to sit at a desk and do work.

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Over the Counter Medicine Recall

Much has been written about over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicines and children lately. Here are the facts:

On October 11, 2007, the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), on behalf of the leading makers of over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicines, announced the voluntary withdrawal of oral infant cough and cold medications from store shelves.

• The voluntary withdrawal of OTC oral infant cough and cold medicines was initiated by the makers of those medications out of an abundance of caution. This was not a mandatory recall or a medicine safety issue.

• Kids' OTC cough and cold medicines are both safe and effective when used correctly. Very rare cases of overdose from misuse, however, reportedly have occurred, particularly in infants less than two years of age, prompting the medicine makers' precautionary action.

• Infants under the age of two are the most vulnerable to the consequences of this misuse.

The voluntary withdrawal only affects oral infant cough and cold medications. It does not affect any other children's medicines

On October 18-19, 2007, two advisory committees of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gathered in Maryland to discuss the safety and efficacy of OTC cough and cold medicines for children. The panels, in a majority vote of 13-nine, voted to recommend to FDA that cough and cold active ingredients should no longer be available for use in children under six-years-old.

• This is only a recommendation and not a determination or action by FDA. FDA will review this recommendation and all the data discussed during the advisory committee meeting to determine what actions, if any, it will take.

• If FDA were to adopt this recommendation, parents would be left with no over-the-counter medicinal relief when their children under age six suffer from cold symptoms.

• The data show that these medicines are safe when used as directed and that harm to this age group, while very rare, is attributable in most cases to accidental ingestion, an issue of safekeeping that is best addressed through education.

• The medicine makers will continue their education efforts, with the launch of a new, major multi-year educational campaign for parents and other caregivers, and healthcare professionals. The campaign will stress the safe use and safekeeping of OTC cough and cold medicines to prevent misuse or accidental ingestion.

The makers of over-the-counter cough and cold medicines want to ensure that parents and caregivers understand when and how to use these medicines safely.

The safe use of these medicines is the highest priority. Medicine makers will continue their long history of providing consumer education with the launch of a new, multi-year national educational program to build awareness among parents and other caregivers and healthcare professionals about how to safely use OTC cough and cold medicines in children, and, as importantly, when not to use them.

Oral Infant Cough and Cold Medicines Voluntarily Withdrawn

Parents and caregivers are advised not to use any oral, cough and cold medicines for children under two years of age.
If you have purchased a medicine that is included in the list of products being voluntarily withdrawn, please inquire with the retail store from which you purchased it regarding its return, exchange, or refund policy. Additionally, some manufacturers have information on their product web sites concerning the withdrawal.

As always, whenever you have questions about how to treat your child's cough and cold symptoms, you should contact your doctor.

Oral Infant cough and cold medicines voluntarily withdrawn are:

• Dimetapp® Decongestant Plus Cough Infant Drops

• Dimetapp® Decongestant Infant Drops

• Little Colds® Decongestant Plus Cough

• Little Colds® Multi-Symptom Cold Formula

• PEDIACARE® Infant Drops Decongestant (containing pseudoephedrine)

• PEDIACARE® Infant Drops Decongestant Cough (containing pseudoephedrine)

• PEDIACARE® Infant Dropper Decongestant (containing phenylephrine)

• PEDIACARE® Infant Dropper Long-Acting Cough

• PEDIACARE® Infant Dropper Decongestant & Cough (containing phenylephrine)

• Robitussin® Infant Cough and Cold CF

• Robitussin® Infant Cough DM Drops

• Triaminic® Infant & Toddler Thin Strips® Decongestant

• Triaminic® Infant & Toddler Thin Strips® Decongestant Plus Cough

• TYLENOL® Concentrated Infants' Drops Plus Cold

• TYLENOL® Concentrated Infants' Drops Plus Cold & Cough

OTCsafety.org is brought to you by the
Consumer Healthcare Products Association

We recommend the use of salt water nose drops, cool humidified air in your child's room and elevating the head of the bed to help with cold symptoms.  

In general, most cold symptoms last 7-10 days.  A cough occurs as cold symptoms begin to improve.  A cough with fever or any respiratory difficulty should be seen immediately.  If your child develops a fever that lasts longer than 48 hours or a cough lasting longer than 14 days they should be seen in the office.

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Dress for the Weather 

• Dress infants and children warmly for outdoor activities.  Several thin layers will keep them dry and warm.

• The rule of thumb for older babies and young children is to dress them in one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in the same conditions.

• Blankets, quilts, pillows, afghans and other loose bedding may contribute to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and should be kept out of infants' sleeping environment.  Sleep clothing like one-piece sleepers is preferred.

• If a blanket must be used to keep a sleeping infant warm, it should be tucked in around the crib mattress, reaching only as far as your baby's chest, so the infant's face is less likely to become covered by the bedding.

~the American Academy of Pediatrics(AAP)

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Keep Your Child Safe from Lead

Most children get poisoned in their homes.  Children under 3 are at greater risk.  Your child can eat or breathe in lead.  A small amount of lead dust can poison your child.  Lead can be found in many places.

The most common lead hazards are chipping and peeling paint and dust in homes built before 1978.  Some other places where lead is found:

• soil or dirt

• some children's toys and jewelry

• some jobs (painters, welders), hobbies (making stained glass, casting fishing sinkers)

• some ceramics and crystal

• some imported foods and candies

• painted furniture

Problems from lead exposure can last a lifetime.  These include: learning problems, lowered attention span, slow growth, hearing loss, juvenile delinquency and hyperactivity.

Your child may not look or act sick-you may not know your child is poisoned until it is too late. 

If you can answer "yes" to any of the following questions ask your doctor if your child needs a blood test

• Does your child live in or regularly visit a house built before 1950?

• Does your child live in or visit a house that has chipping, peeling, dusting or chalking paint?

• Does your child live in a house built before 1978 with recent, ongoing or planned renovation/remodeling?

• Does your child have a sibling or playmate that has or did have lead poisoning?

• Does your child come in contact with an adult who has a hobby or works with lead?

Ways to prevent lead poisoning:

• Keep your house clean.  Wash floors and window sills often.  Dust with a damp cloth.  Wet mop.

• Test your house for lead before paint removal or remodeling.

• Avoid chipping, peeling lead paint. Avoid dry sanding paint.  Avoid using a heat gun to remove old paint.

• Make sure your mini blinds are lead free.

• Wash your child's hands well and often.

• Leave your shoes at the door.

• Give your child healthy, well balanced foods.  Examples are:  milk, meat, cereal, beans, peas, spinach, cheese, cooked greens.

• Keep your child's regular doctor visits.

• Protect yourself and your family if your job exposes you to lead by changing out of work clothes when at home.

~Ohio Department of Health

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BPA Is it Safe?

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used in polycarbonate plastics (usually hard, clear items like baby and water bottles, disposable tableware, CD packaging, certain medical devices, and some safety equipment). This chemical is used to harden plastics and prevent cans from rusting.

There is controversy over the possible harmful effects BPA may have on humans particularly on infants and children in their developmental phases. Animal studies have shown effects on endocrine functions in animals related to exposure to BPA . The recent panel study suggests the need for further clarification of what level of exposure to BPA might cause similar effects in humans.

Regulatory agencies in Canada, Europe and Japan agree that the current BPA exposure levels through food packaging do not pose an immediate health risk to the general population, including infants and children.

 According to the National Toxicology Program, we may breathe in dust and air containing BPA or absorb the chemical through our skin when we swim or bathe.  The first federal U.S. report (presently only a draft) states there is some concern that current human exposures of BPA in fetuses, babies and children could cause harmful effects such as behavioral and brain problems, early puberty in girls, and changes in the prostate and mammary glands.  However, the official report will not be available until late summer 2008.  In the meantime, here are some ways to reduce exposure to BPA in your home:

Advice for Parents - AAP

Breastfeeding is one way to reduce potential BPA exposure. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for a minimum of 4 months but preferably for 6 months. Breastfeeding should be continued, with the addition of complementary foods, at least through the first 12 months of age and thereafter as long as mutually desired by mother and infant.

Parents considering switching children from liquid to powdered formula should be reminded that mixing procedures may differ, so they should pay special attention in preparing formula from powder.

Parents with babies on specialized formulas to address medical conditions should not switch children off those formulas, as the known risks of doing so would outweigh any potential risks posed by BPA.

Concerned parents can take the following precautionary measures to reduce babies' exposure to BPA:                

• For plastic containers and sippy cups:  look at the bottom for the recycling code (the number in the triangle).  Those with a number 7 are made with polycarbonates and may contain BPA.  Don't microwave them. Do not boil polycarbonate bottles. Do not wash polycarbonate bottles in the dishwasher. The heat can cause the chemical to "migrate" into the food and drinks.

• Consider using certified or identified BPA-free plastic bottles

•  Use bottles made of opaque plastic. These bottles (made of polyethylene or polypropylene) do not contain BPA

• Glass bottles can be an alternative, but be aware of the risk of injury to baby or parent if the bottle is dropped or broken

• Call the manufacturer of your baby's formula to find out if they use epoxy resin in their cans.

• Buy fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables if you are concerned about the lining inside canned foods.

• Try to use glass and/or stainless instead of plastic food containers, bottles and plastic kids cups.

• Remember to buy products that say they are BPA free.

• Risks associated with giving infants inappropriate (home-made condensed milk) formulas or alternative (soy or goat) milk are far greater than the potential effects of BPA

• Don't Panic--Just be BPA smart and start to make some changes in your products while keeping an eye open for more information about BPA to be released.

~Kids Health/AAP 10/2008

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Facts  

Facts for Parents About Vaccine Safety

from the American Academy of Pediatrics

 

Why are vaccines important?

Immunizations protect children. Vaccine-preventable diseases can have dangerous consequences, including seizures, brain damage, blindness and even death. Because of the success of the national immunization program, many young parents today have never seen a case of one of these illnesses, but measles, meningitis, chickenpox, pertussis and other diseases exist in the world and would re-emerge here if immunization rates fell. For example, recent outbreaks of measles in the U.S. were traced to unvaccinated children who became infected while traveling in Europe. Likewise, it would only take one case of polio from another country to bring the disease back to the U.S. if children are not protected by vaccination.

 

Are vaccines safe?

Yes. Today’s vaccines are safer than any in history. Vaccines contain antigens, which are either live but very weakened viruses, inactivated viruses, or small parts of bacteria or viruses that prompt the body to produce protective antibodies without causing the disease. Even though children receive more vaccines now, the total number of antigens is less because today’s vaccines are more refined than older versions. At a very young age, children’s immune systems are equipped to respond to many antigens at the same time, including those in vaccines as well as the ones they encounter in their daily activities such as eating, breathing and playing.

In addition to antigens, vaccines contain ingredients to prevent contamination and improve effectiveness. These ingredients have been found to be safe in humans in the quantities given in vaccines, which is much less than children are exposed to in their environment, food and water. Valid scientific studies have shown there is no link between autism and thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative once used in several vaccines (and still used in some flu vaccine). However, since thimerosal was removed from childhood vaccines in 2001, autism rates have actually increased, supplying further evidence that thimerosal does not cause autism.

Before a vaccine is licensed, it is studied in thousands of children and in combination with other vaccines. After licensure, the federal government continues to monitor a vaccine’s safety. This continuous monitoring ensures researchers will uncover any rare side effects, even if they affect only a small number of children. For example, a rotavirus vaccine was withdrawn in 1999 after it was linked to intestinal blockages in about 100 children. This vaccine was replaced by a new and safer product. Today’s recommended vaccines have been shown to be safe and effective for millions of children.

 

Can I delay or skip vaccines?

It is not a good idea to skip or delay vaccines, as this will leave your child vulnerable to diseases for a longer time. Children are most vulnerable to complications from disease in their early years of life, when vaccines provide protection, and some vaccines produce a better immune response at particular ages. Parents should follow the schedule provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians, which is designed by experts to ensure maximum protection and safety for children at various ages. This schedule allows for some flexibility to delay certain shots when advised by a child’s pediatrician due to illness, certain chronic conditions or other medical reasons. Parents should discuss any concerns with their child’s pediatrician.

More information is available at http://www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/autismparentfacts.htm and www.cdc.gov/vaccines.

June 2008  

 

Learn More At:

                            

                                   http://vaccinateyourbaby.org

 

                                                                                                                                  

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MRSA Information

Information for Schools/Parents/Students on
Community-Acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
(CA-MRSA)

Background

Staphylococcus aureus (known as "staph") is a common bacterium that is carried on the skin or in the nose of healthy people. Approximately 30% of people carry the staph bacteria, and most never develop any symptoms or illness. Staph is a leading cause of skin and soft tissue infection and when an infection does occur, it is usually mild.

Staph skin infections can be just at the surface of the skin or can go into the soft tissue to form a boil or abscess. Invasive staph infections are different from skin and soft tissue infections. Invasive staph infections are more serious, but they occur much less often than skin or soft tissue infections.

Community-Acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) is a type of Staphylococcus aureus, which is resistant to some of the antibiotics that typically have been used to treat skin and soft tissue infections. CA-MRSA is resistant to methicillin and other penicillin type antibiotics such as amoxicillin and the cephalosporins.

How Staph Infections are Spread

Staph infections are spread by direct physical contact with the bacteria. It is almost always spread person-to-person, but can be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces, personal items or equipment. Spread of staph infections has occurred through skin-to-skin contact when playing sports, such as football or wrestling, or from surfaces in gyms and locker rooms.

How Staph Infections are Treated

Staph infections are treatable. The treatment may include drainage of the infection site and/or treatment with antibiotics. There are antibiotics available for all forms of staph infections, including CA-MRSA.

How to Prevent/Control Spread

• Students and staff should be encouraged to wash their hands for 15-20 seconds frequently with warm water and soap. School health services staff should educate students and staff on the importance of hand washing. If soap is not available, alcohol-based sanitizers should be used.

• Students should shower after every athletic activity using soap and clean towels

• Students should not share personal hygiene or other items such as towels, soap, clothing and razors. If schools are responsible for washing towels, athletic uniforms, etc. these items should be washed after every use. To avoid sharing of bar soap, schools should consider placing soap dispensers on walls, particularly in locker rooms, etc

• Skin cuts, scrapes or breaks should be kept clean and dry to minimize the chance of developing an infection.

• Proper bandages should be used to keep all infected wounds covered. Students should not be allowed to participate in athletics, gym class, etc., if an infected wound cannot be covered.

• Schools should have and follow protocols for routine cleaning that includes sanitizers and a regular cleaning schedule. Particular attention should be given to damp or wet areas and those areas that may be contaminated by body fluids. Particular attention should be given to locker rooms, showers and the school health services office. It is recommended that a disinfectant that is EPA registered as effective against MRSA be used to clean surfaces

• Perform daily surface cleaning of locker room surfaces (examples: showers, benches, countertops) and scheduled cleaning of weight room equipment and other gym or other athletic equipment that is shared. These surfaces should be washed after each use with a disinfectant, such as bleach or hospital-grade disinfectant

Messages for School Personnel

School closure is not an appropriate response to CA-MRSA infections in students. Response should focus on following the above measures to prevent and control spread of staph to other students

If a student is determined to have a skin or soft tissue infection, school health services staff or other designated personnel should clean and cover the wound site and notify the child's parents

• Parents should be advised to seek further evaluation and/or treatment by their child's doctor.

• Keep a first aid kit with ample dressings available at athletic events.

• Staff should report skin and soft tissue infections to the school nurse and to coaches/athletic trainers/physical education teachers so that hygiene practices can be reviewed and corrected if deficient.

• School nurses should consider a CA-MRSA diagnosis in all students who present with signs of skin or soft tissue infection

• School health services staff and other school personnel who might have contact with students suspected of CA-MRSA infection should use contact precautions.

Messages for Students/Parents

• Good hygiene is the best prevention! Children and youth should be encouraged to wash their hands frequently with warm water and soap. Parents should educate children about the importance of hand washing, particularly after nose-wiping. If soap is not available, alcohol-based sanitizers can be used.

• Skin cuts, scrapes or breaks should be kept clean and dry to minimize the chance of developing an infection.

• Proper bandages should be used and changed daily or more frequently, if necessary to keep all infected wounds clean and covered.

• If your child has a skin infection that is not getting better, contact his or her doctor.

• If your child is taking antibiotics for an infection, make sure they complete the full number of doses as prescribed. Antibiotics should not be shared or saved for future use.

• Take your child to see a medical provider if the skin or soft tissue begins to appear infected- red, hot, swollen, tender or draining pus.

• Students should report skin and soft tissue infections to the school nurse and to coaches/athletic trainers/physical education teachers.

Resources

American Academy of Pediatrics - Hot Topics: Community-Acquired MRSA

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Community-Associated MRSA Information for the Public

• CDC. Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infections Among Competitive Sports Participants---Colorado, Indiana, Pennsylvania and Los Angeles County, 2000-2003. MMWR 2003;52:793-795.

• CDC MRSA Educational Materials 

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Build a Better Reader

Five easy ways to build a better reader:

1.  Don't sweat mistakes.  If your child gets to a word he doesn't know when reading aloud, don't make him sound it out, just give him the word.  We learn from having our strengths identified not our mistakes magnified.  ~Jeff Wilhelm, Professor of Reading at Univ. of Idaho.

2.  Stay positive.  Don't make reading a barrier to an activity your child enjoys ("You can't go out and play until you've done your reading")~Jim Trelease, author of The Read-Aloud Handbook.

3.  Card 'em.  When your child is reading a book with a lot of words, have him place an index card under the line of text he's reading and slide the card down the page as he reads.  This helps kids keep their place. ~Richard Allington, Ph.D., president of the International Reading Association.

4.  Form a team.  Rather than arguing with your child about when she's going to start and how she'll finish a daunting reading assignment, offer to share the burden.  Your child reads one page aloud, you read the next. ~Carol Rasco, CEO of Reading is Fundamental.

5.  Give books as gifts.  Children say they are more likely to read books they own, specifically, ones that were given to them by someone they love. ~Twila Liggett, Ph.D., creator of Reading Rainbow.

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Did you know?

Every well stocked medicine cabinet should include: