piedmontpediatrics

Childhood Immunization Schedule in the News

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 01:59:33 GMT

Piedmont Pediatrics continues to recommend the evidence-based American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) childhood immunization schedule. Our office is still offering ALL vaccines from our original schedule.

Insurance companies are still covering the costs of these vaccines, just as they did previously.

The latest Human Health Services (HHS) changes, decreasing the recommended number of vaccines from 17 (18) to 11, are not based on any new trials or scientific studies and were announced without prior formal CDC input.

The AAP-backed childhood immunization schedule is based on decades old, meticulously reviewed data, designed to keep our nation's children healthy and protect against acute and chronic infections, hospitalizations, and death.

While HHS uses the phrase "shared clinical decision making" to imply that certain vaccines are less important than the others, Piedmont Pediatrics believes that ALL the immunizations on the AAP-backed schedule are important and potentially life-saving. This is why we recommend ALL of them, with links here , and at reliable sources such as HealthyChildren.org and CHOP.edu .

Pediatricians everywhere will continue advocating to keep ALL children safe from preventable infectious agents, including RSV, hepatitis A and B, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), haemophilus influenzae, pneumococcus, polio, rotavirus, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), HPV, meningococcus (ACWY and B), influenza, and COVID-19.

More about the latest HHS recommendations:

Why the AAP vaccine recommendations differ from the federal schedule (healthychildren.org)
What parents should know about the new childhood immunization schedule (Yale School of Public Health)
"According to a 2024 CDC report , among children born in the United States between 1994–2023, routine childhood vaccinations will have prevented approximately 508 million lifetime cases of illness, 32 million hospitalizations, and 1,129,000 deaths, resulting in direct savings of $540 billion and societal savings of $2.7 trillion. During that same period, according to this report, vaccines no longer recommended by the CDC for all children under its new schedule prevented 6 million cases of hepatitis B (and 940,000 hospitalizations), 4 million cases of hepatitis A (and 78,000 hospitalizations), and 30 million cases of rotavirus (and over 800,000 hospitalizations).
“What we need to remember is that all of those vaccines that have been removed from the CDC’s recommended list and placed in the ‘choose-your-own adventure’ category prevent serious diseases that can make kids very, very sick,” Dr. Schwartz said. “Hep B, for instance, can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, cancer, and death. Many of these symptoms can take decades to develop, and there is no cure.”
AAP's 2026 Immunization Schedule article (AAP News)

AAP's 2026 Immunization Schedule FAQs for Parents

More about the birth dose of hepatitis B:

Why do babies need the Hepatitis B vaccine? (healthychildren.org)
"Hepatitis B is a virus that can damage the liver and lead to lifelong health problems. The hepatitis B vaccine prevents short-term illness (acute hepatitis) and a life-threatening infection called chronic hepatitis B .

Newborns need the hepatitis B vaccine soon after birth. That's because they could be unknowingly exposed to

the virus during labor or shortly after coming home.

Other family members or caregivers can give hepatitis B to newborns. People often don’t know they are

infected with the virus because they may look and feel healthy.

Children infected at birth and in early childhood are much more likely to get chronic hepatitis B than adults.

The majority (90%) of infants infected at birth develop chronic hepatitis. That's why babies benefit most when

they get the vaccine early, during the first 24 hours of life."

Fact Checked: Hepatitis B Vaccine Given to Newborns Reduces Risk of Chronic Infection (aap.org)

More about the history of our recommended childhood immunization schedule:

RFK Jr. wants to scrutinize the vaccine schedule – but its safety record is already decades long ( theconversation.com, December 18, 2025)

More on the misinformation regarding pediatrician reimbursements and profit from vaccines:

Why This Nebraska Clinic Prioritizes Vaccines Over Profits: one pediatrician explains why vaccines are her biggest expense - not a cash cow (Unbiased Science Pod and Jen Covich Bordenick, December 13, 2025)
Do pediatricians make large profits from vaccines? We followed the money (Statnews.com, January 29, 2026)

"Pediatricians are among the last bastions of trust in American health care — the ones who show up in 'Paw Patrol' scrubs when our kids are miserable, who answer panicked calls about fevers at midnight, and who chose one of the lowest-paid specialties in medicine because they wanted to care for children. Eroding trust in them has consequences. When parents are led to believe their pediatrician’s recommendations are driven by profit rather than their child’s health, they delay or decline vaccines. And children get sick.

If policymakers genuinely want to examine vaccine economics, they should ask why reimbursement rates vary so widely across states, why Medicaid payments often fall below delivery costs, and why the burden of protecting vulnerable children falls disproportionately on the practices least able to afford it.

The pediatricians we interviewed didn’t talk about bonuses. They talked about months-long waits for reimbursement, the impossible math of serving kids on Medicaid, and the kids themselves. The ones they’ve watched grow up. The families who trust them. They keep vaccinating, not because it’s profitable (it usually isn’t), but because it protects children.

Understanding the actual economics matters, because the physicians most committed to vaccinating children are often the ones making the least from it."

ByHeart Baby Formula Recall for Botulism

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 05:23:10 GMT

Updated November 14, 2025

FDA statement on the Outbreak Investigation of Infant Botulism :
" Product:

All ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula products have been recalled. This includes all unexpired lots of formula cans and single-serve “anywhere” sticks.

FDA is expanding its recommendation to include all ByHeart infant formula products due to the number of ill infants reported to have consumed this product, the identification of additional lot codes, the identification of new cases of suspected infant botulism, and the preliminary positive sample collected and tested by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program (IBTPP).

ByHeart infant formula products makes up less than 1% of all infant formula sold in the United States and this outbreak does not create shortage concerns of infant formula for parents and caregivers.

Symptoms of Infant botulism

Most infants with infant botulism will initially develop constipation, poor feeding, loss of head control, and difficulty swallowing, which can progress to difficulty breathing and respiratory arrest. Symptoms of infant botulism, which is diagnosed clinically, can take as long as several weeks to develop following formula ingestion.

Stores affected

ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula is available for sale online and at major retailers nationwide.

Status

Ongoing

Recommendations

Parents and Caregivers should stop using any ByHeart infant formula products immediately.

If your child consumed ByHeart formula and is experiencing symptoms (see below) seek immediate medical attention.

If your child consumed ByHeart formula and is not currently showing symptoms, continue monitoring them and seek medical attention if symptoms develop.

If you still have the formula in your home, you should:

take a photo or record the information on the bottom of the package.

keep the container in a safe spot and be sure to label that product as DO NOT USE.

If your child develops symptoms your state health department might want to collect your formula container for testing. If your child does not develop symptoms after 30 days, throw your containers out.

Botulism can be fatal , and you should take action right away. If your child has consumed ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula and is experiencing signs and symptoms of botulism such as poor feeding, loss of head control, difficulty swallowing, or decreased facial expression, seek immediate medical attention.

If you are a Physician and suspect an infant patient has botulism, immediately call 510-231-7600 for case consultation. Consultation is available 24/7."

HealthyChildren.org article about the ByHeart Baby Formula Recall

Beyfortus (nirsevimab), the infant RSV immunization, is available in our office from October 1 through March 31!

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 20:07:14 GMT

Beyfortus (nirsevimab) is an FDA approved and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended injection that helps prevent serious lung disease caused by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

The latest data show immunization with nirsevimab (Beyfortus) decreases hospitalization from RSV by 98% in healthy, full term infants.

Beyfortus (nirsevimab) is an FDA approved and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended injection that helps prevent serious lung disease caused by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) .

This monoclonal antibody shot is available for all infants younger than 8 months of age during RSV season (typically October 1 through March 31). It is also available for some children 8 months to 19 months of age who are at increased risk for severe RSV disease (preterm infants with chronic lung disease, children with severe immunocompromise, children with severe cystic fibrosis, American Indian and Alaska Native children) and who are entering their second RSV season.

Infants under 8 months of age whose mothers received the RSV vaccine (Abrysvo) during the 32nd-36th weeks of pregnancy should be protected for the season and will not need to get Beyfortus (as long as the vaccine was given 2 weeks before delivery).

The latest data on nirsevimab showed a 98% decrease in RSV hospitalizations for healthy, full term infants who received this immunization.

If you would like your child to get this recommended immunization this fall, please contact your insurance company to ensure coverage, then call our office at 434-975-7777 to schedule an appointment.

Lead in cinnamon, food pouches, and protein powders

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 18:53:09 GMT

In September 2024, Consumer Reports tested for lead in ground cinnamon products and spice blends that contain cinnamon and found that 12 of 36 products measured above 1 part per million of lead—the threshold that triggers a recall in New York, the only state in the U.S. that regulates heavy metals in spices.

In its October 2025 issue, Consumer Reports tested for lead in protein powders and shakes.

"One of the main reasons people turn to supplements is the belief that their diet falls short on protein—a concern that many experts say is overblown. Americans need much less protein than they think, says Nicholas Burd, PhD, a professor of health and kinesiology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign who has studied protein extensively. “I’m constantly trying to pull protein out of people’s diets"...

... studies have found that most people, even vegans , are capable of getting more than enough protein through their diet alone. The latest federal survey of U.S. eating habits found that Americans of all age groups exceed the recommended dietary allowances for protein (PDF), with men clocking in at over 155 percent of the recommendations and women at over 135 percent. But many people still worry they are deficient, Burd says.

In September 2024, Consumer Reports tested for lead in ground cinnamon products and spice blends that contain cinnamon and found that 12 of 36 products measured above 1 part per million of lead—the threshold that triggers a recall in New York, the only state in the U.S. that regulates heavy metals in spices. The results from the CR study are linked in this NPR article that also discusses the recall of applesauce pouches from October 2023.

The latest information on COVID-19 - vaccines, testing, and more:

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 19:01:52 GMT

We have the updated 2025-2026 COVID-19 Moderna vaccine doses for children 6 months through 11 years of age.

COVID-19 Moderna vaccine for those 12+ years of age will be coming soon. If you want to get these doses at local pharmacies, current HHS / CDC ruling is that prescriptions are no longer needed. Please call our office at 434-975-7777 for a prescription if you want one - we will be happy to print them for our patients.

AAP Releases Its Own Evidence-Based Immunization Schedule

COVID-19 Vaccine information:

Piedmont Pediatrics is following the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidance for the updated 2025-2026 COVID-19 Moderna (JN.1 lineage) vaccine, recommending it for:

All children ages 6-23 months,

unless they have a known allergy to the vaccine

All children and adolescents 2-18 years at higher risk of severe disease
All children who are not in high risk groups but whose guardians

wish to have them vaccinated

Piedmont Pediatrics follows AAP guidance in recommending the COVID-19 vaccine because COVID-19 continues to be a cause of hospitalization and death in the pediatric population. COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective in protecting individuals and populations against serious outcomes associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, including post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C).

COVID-19 vaccines can be given with other routine childhood immunizations and the influenza vaccine at the same time. "Today's entire pediatric vaccine schedule exposes children to about 320 antigens - far fewer than the 3,000+ antigens in vaccines from the 1960s. For perspective, babies encounter thousands of germs daily through normal activities."*

Your child should be immunized with the vaccine that is appropriate for their age. For example, if a child is 11 years old for their first COVID vaccine, but turns 12 before the second, then they should get the 5-11 year old vaccine for the first dose and the 12+ yo vaccine for the second. There is no benefit or increased immunity associated with waiting to get a “larger” dose.

When should my child get a COVID-19 vaccine?

* Those 6 - 23 months of age who have never had a COVID-19 vaccine need:

- 2 doses of the Moderna vaccine

- 1 month (4 weeks) between the two doses

- (Pfizer vaccines are no longer available for children under 5 years of age)

* Those 6 - 23 months of age who have had one previous Moderna

vaccine need:
- one dose of the Moderna vaccine 1 month (4 weeks) after their last dose

* Those 2 years of age and up (regardless of previous number of vaccines) need
- one dose of the latest (2025-2026) COVID-19 vaccine

(3+ months after their last dose if they had one )

* Those 6 months of age and up who recently had a COVID-19 infection should

get the COVID-19 vaccine (whether the first one or a booster) 3+ months

after their infection

(Please note that there is a different primary schedule for the Pfizer vaccine, but booster doses are interchangeable between the Moderna and Pfizer products.)

Testing:

Remember that the newest COVID variants may not show up on home testing in the first day or two of symptoms. (Our office can test current patients with a PCR test, considered the gold standard, any time COVID-19 is suspected. However, many insurance carriers no longer cover these send-out tests, so a home test might be a better financial choice for many households.) To maximize the chances of an accurate home test, if the first test is negative, repeat in 1-2 days (some of the more recent Omicron subvariants peak in shedding on Day 4 of symptoms.) Any positive test is probably accurate, but a negative test that is done too early might be a false-negative.

Testing is recommended to:

1. Avoid spreading the infection to others

2. Have a clear idea of why you are sick (in case of complications)

3. Get treatment (Paxlovid) if you are in a high risk group (remember that it is not approved for children under 12 years of age)

4. To know when to get your COVID-19 vaccine (typically 3+ months after having the disease)

For more information, please go to HealthyChildren.org

and * Unbiased Science Podcast

Allergy experts no longer recommend diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

Sun, 07 Sep 2025 22:39:30 GMT

Cetirizine (Zyrtec) is a safer and more effective antihistamine

Pediatricians and allergists are no longer recommending diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for simple allergic reactions because of concerns over side effects, lack of efficacy compared to newer over-the-counter antihistamines, and potential risks from chronic use in adults. This article from the World Allergy Organization Journal , as well as subsequent reviews on Medpage Today and CNN provide good summaries of the changes in recommendation.

For the majority of our patients, we recommend instead, a one time (daily) dose of cetirizine (Zyrtec):
- 5 mg for children 2-5 years old
- 10 mg for children 6+ years of age

Please remember that in cases of ANAPHYLAXIS, ALWAYS USE EMERGENCY EPINEPHRINE FIRST
(cetirizine is NOT a substitute).

Please call our office at 434-975-7777 if you have any specific questions or concerns about the change.

How to talk to kids about tragedies and scary news stories.

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 18:01:19 GMT

How to talk with kids about tragedies and other traumatic news events (Healthy Children)

How to talk to kids about school shootings. (Child Mind Institute)

Grief and loss in childhood: How to help your child cope (Healthy Children)

Recent Measles Outbreak - June 2025

Sat, 24 May 2025 22:25:32 GMT

June 6, 2025 Measles Outbreak Update -

If you suspect your child has measles, please call our office first and do NOT enter any healthcare facility (including our building) without first notifying our staff members.

The Blue Ridge Health District reporting number for known exposures in undervaccinated individuals is: 434-422-3210.

There is currently an outbreak of measles in mostly unvaccinated individuals in several states in the United States (including a large outbreak that began in western Texas and spread to surrounding states).

As of June 5, 2025, Charlottesville also has its second reported case of measles, in a toddler (third reported case in the state), de tails here (Virginia Department of Health) :

"Virginia Health Officials Confirm Third 2025 Measles Case in the State

Virginia Department of Health is Working to Identify People Who Are at Risk

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is reporting the state’s third measles case of the year. The patient is a child (0-4 years) in the Northwest Region who developed symptoms after exposure to another Virginia measles case. To protect the family’s privacy, VDH will not provide any additional information about the patient. Public health officials are coordinating efforts to identify anyone who might have been exposed.

Listed below are the dates, times, and locations of potential exposure sites in Virginia:

Third case:

SugarBear Ice Cream, located at 1522 E. High Street in Charlottesville on Saturday, May 31, between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Indoor exposures pose the greatest risk for measles. There is minimal risk of exposure for people who were only outdoors at this location.
Lowe’s Home Improvement, located at 400 Woodbrook Drive in Charlottesville on Sunday, June 1, between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.

This case is the third case reported in Virginia in 2025. The first case was reported in April and the second case was reported in May. For the latest information on measles cases in Virginia, please visit the Reportable Disease Monthly Surveillance Report.

Second case:

Charlottesville Albemarle Airport on Tuesday, May 20 between 2:15 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Play it Again Sports, located at 1885 Seminole Trail in Charlottesville on Tuesday, May 20 from 2:40 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Goodwill Store and Donation Center, located at 440 Gander Drive in Charlottesville on Tuesday, May 20 from 3:10 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
UVA Health Primary Care Riverside, located at 2335 Seminole Lane, Suite 200 in Charlottesville on Thursday, May 22 from 2 p.m. to 7:10 p.m.
UVA Health University Medical Center Emergency Department, located at 1215 Lee St. in Charlottesville on Friday, May 23 from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m.

This case is the second case reported in Virginia in 2025. The first case was reported in April. For the latest information on measles cases in Virginia, please visit the Reportable Disease Monthly Surveillance Report.

What should you do if you were at the above locations on one or more of the days and times specified?

If you have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or were born before 1957, you are protected and do not need to take any action.
If you have never received a measles containing vaccine (either the measles, mumps and rubella [MMR] vaccine or a measles-only vaccine which is available in other countries), you may be at risk of developing measles.
Anyone who might have been exposed, is considered to be at risk of developing measles (not fully vaccinated or if vaccine status is unknown), AND lives in the Blue Ridge Health District area should call 434-422-3210. ( The phone line will be staffed during regular office hours.)
Non-immune individuals may qualify for post-exposure treatments. People who might have been exposed and are not immune should contact their health care provider or local health department immediately to coordinate administration of post-exposure prophylaxis.
Watch for symptoms for 21 days after the date of your potential exposure. If you notice symptoms of measles, immediately isolate yourself by staying home. Contact your healthcare provider right away. If you need to seek healthcare, call ahead before going to your healthcare provider’s office or the emergency room to notify them that you may have been exposed to measles and ask them to call the local health department. This call will help protect other patients and staff.
Anyone with an immunocompromising condition should consult with their healthcare provider if they have questions or develop symptoms.
If you have received only one dose of a measles-containing vaccine, you are very likely to be protected and your risk of being infected with measles from any of these exposures is very low. However, to achieve the highest level of protection, contact your healthcare provider about getting a second vaccine dose.

Measles is a highly contagious illness that can spread easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Measles symptoms usually appear in two stages. In the first stage, most people have a fever of greater than 101 degrees, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a cough. These symptoms usually start seven to fourteen days after being exposed. The second stage starts three to five days after symptoms start, when a rash begins to appear on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. People with measles are contagious from four days before the rash appears through four days after the rash appeared.

Measles is preventable through a safe and effective MMR vaccine. Two doses of the vaccine are given to provide lifetime protection. Virginia has high measles vaccination rates, with approximately 95% of kindergarteners fully vaccinated against measles. However, infants who are too young to be vaccinated, and others who are not vaccinated, are very susceptible to infection if they are exposed to measles. Infants six months through 11 months of age who will be traveling internationally, or to an outbreak setting, should receive one dose of MMR vaccine prior to travel. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions about the MMR vaccine.

To check your immunization status, call your healthcare provider or request your vaccination records using the VDH Immunization Record Request Form at vdh.virginia.gov/immunization/viis/ . Virginia residents with additional questions about their potential exposure can email epi_response@vdh.virginia.gov or contact your local health department.

The Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department will be hosting an MMR vaccine clinic on Friday, May 30 from 1-4 pm by appointment only (no walk-ins). Call 434-972-6269 to make your appointment.

For more information about measles visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/measles/ "

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website is no longer being updated regularly at this point, so please check the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) for the most up-to-date information in our area , as well as national news or local health department websites for the latest information on case numbers for each state.

The Healthy Children website has a comprehensive description of measles and the vaccine schedule for children here.

Remember that the measles vaccine is extremely safe and protective. However, it is a live attenuated vaccine and so some who are immunocompromised or pregnant cannot get the shot (if they were not immunized previously). Also, the first dose is typically administered at 12 months of age, so most infants are at high risk for getting infected. Infants, other unvaccinated, and immunocompromised individuals all rely on herd immunity to keep them safe, so it is important to keep communities protected against measles to protect everyone. When herd immunity drops below 95%, outbreaks are likely to happen once someone with measles enters the community (often from international travel).

Some measles facts:

Measles is considered one of the most infectious diseases (airborne) on earth. If 10 unvaccinated people are exposed to someone with measles, 9 will get infected. The virus can remain infectious in the air for up to 2 hours after an infected person leaves an area.
People with measles are contagious from 4 days before the rash appears until 4 days after it erupts (though immunocompromised individuals can be contagious for the duration of the illness.)
The incubation period ranges from 7 to 21 days.
It can also make children very sick - for people without immunity, 1 in 5 will be hospitalized, 1 in 20 will develop pneumonia (the most common way measles kills young children), 1 in 1000 will develop encephalitis (infection of the brain, sometimes causing permanent brain damage), and 1-3 in 1000 will die.
It can cause “immune amnesia,” where the immune system loses its ability to fight other viruses that people were previously immune to.
Children are normally vaccinated against measles with the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine at 12 months and again at 4-5 years of age, but can get an accelerated schedule in case of outbreaks.
Accelerated schedule in case of community outbreaks:

Extra dose for 6-11 month old infants , with second dose at 12+ months of age (28+ days after the first dose)
For children who have only had the 12 month dose , they can get their second dose of vaccine 28+ days after the first dose.

The vaccine is fully protective approximately 10-14 days after administration (93% protection after 1 dose, 97+% protection after the second dose.)
People born before 1957 might not require vaccination because measles was so widespread in the mid-1950s and earlier, it is assumed that everyone already had the disease and has natural immunity. However, during an outbreak it might be worth checking immunity (IgG to measles) or getting an MMR booster, particularly if you are a healthcare worker.

People born between 1957 and 1968 may have gotten only 1 dose of killed measles vaccine (less effective than the current vaccine) and should check immunity (IgG to measles) or get an MMR booster if they have not previously gotten a second shot.

Because MMR is a live attenuated virus vaccine, those who are pregnant or significantly immunocompromised cannot get the vaccine.

Find more measles information at HealthyChildren.org .

More links:
~ 10 FAQs on MMR and Measles Protection, from Your Local Epidemiologist

~ What to Know During a Measles Outbreak: FAQ, from UVA Health

~ Vitamin A Can't Prevent the Measles, from UVA Health

~ Measles: Separating fact from fiction, from Sentara Hospital

Also please review this PDF from The Unbiased Science Podcast for more detailed information about measles immunity (a special thank you to @unbiasedscipod for their generous share of their slides).
We will continue to update this site.

Measles Update for Travel

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 18:56:12 GMT

With measles on the rise globally, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is recommending that all travelers get 2 doses of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine at least 2 weeks before travel.

Infants under 12 months old should get an early MMR dose at 6-11 months of age, with a second dose at 12-15 months, and a final dose at 4-6 years of age.

Children over 12 months of age should get their first dose immediately, with a second dose 28+ days after the first dose.

Teens and adults with no evidence of immunity (written documentation of adequate vaccination, laboratory evidence of immunity, or birth in the United States before 1957) should get their first dose immediately, with a second dose 28+ days after the first dose.

Find more information at these links:
~ 10 FAQs on MMR and Measles Protection, from Your Local Epidemiologist

~ CDC

PANS (Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome)

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 18:46:02 GMT

"Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) is a condition that involves sudden, severe behavior and mood changes in children. Very quickly, sometimes overnight, they start to have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms like urgent, unwanted thoughts. Or, they may abruptly avoid eating. Often, they develop tics, movements such as head turning or rapid blinking that they can't control." - Healthy Children AAP website.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) just released a new policy and clinical report on PANS.

Click here for more information here.

Updated American Academy of Pediatrics Sudden Infant Death Syndrome prevention recommendations:

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 20:39:20 GMT

Recommendations to prevent SIDS:

Use a firm, flat sleep surface

A firm surface means that it shouldn’t indent when your baby is lying on it. Any surface that inclines more than 10 degrees isn’t safe for your baby to sleep on.
Put your baby in a crib , bassinet, portable crib or play yard that meets the safety standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) .
Check the CPSC website to make sure your crib hasn’t been recalled, especially if it’s used.
Make sure your crib mattress is designed for your specific crib and that it fits tightly. Use a fitted sheet only—nothing else should be in the crib with your baby.
Don’t use a crib that doesn’t have instructions , is missing hardware or that’s broken.
Alternative sleep surfaces are only considered a safe option if they comply with the June 2021 CPSC rule that all infant sleep products must meet the existing federal safety standards for cribs, bassinets, portable cribs or play yards. This includes inclined sleep products , hammocks, baby boxes, in-bed sleepers, baby nests and pods, compact bassinets, travel bassinets and baby tents. If a product doesn’t meet federal safety standards, avoid it.
If your baby falls asleep in a car seat , stroller, swing, infant carrier or sling, you should move them to a firm sleep surface on their back as soon as possible.
Don’t use products for sleep that aren’t specifically marketed for infant sleep. Examples include Boppy pillows and Dock-a-Tots.
In an emergency , you can temporarily put your baby to sleep in a box, basket, dresser drawer or something similar. It should have thin, firm padding. As soon as you can get a CPSC-approved sleep surface, move your baby to that instead.
If you need financial help, there are organizations throughout the United States that provide low-cost or free sleep surfaces. Check with your local Social Services agency .

Never sleep with your baby

Based on the evidence, the AAP doesn’t recommend bed sharing with your baby under any circumstances. This includes twins and other multiples.
If you bring your baby into your bed to feed or comfort them , place them in their own sleep space when you’re ready to go to sleep.
If there is any possibility that you might fall asleep while your baby is in your bed , make sure there are no pillows, sheets, blankets or any other items that could cover your baby’s face, head and neck or overheat them. As soon as you wake up, be sure to move your baby to their own bed.
Avoid falling asleep with your baby in other spots, too. The risk of sleep-related infant death is up to 67 times higher when infants sleep with someone on a couch , soft armchair or cushion.
It’s extra important not to bed share with your baby if:
You have been drinking alcohol, used marijuana or taken any medicines or illicit drugs. The risk of sleep-related infant death is more than 10 times higher for babies who bed share with someone who is fatigued or has taken medications that make it harder for them to wake up; has used substances such as alcohol or drugs.
Your baby is very young, small or was born prematurely. The risk of sleep-related infant death while bed sharing is 5 to 10 times higher when your baby is younger than 4 months olds. And the risk of sleep-related infant death is 2 to 5 times higher when your baby was born preterm or with low birth weight.

Instead of bed sharing, room share with your baby

This means keeping your baby’s sleep area in the same room where you sleep for at least the first 6 months. Place your baby’s crib, bassinet, portable crib or play yard in your bedroom, close to your bed. The AAP recommends room sharing because it can decrease the risk of SIDS by as much as 50% and it’s much safer than bed sharing. Room sharing will also make it easier for you to feed, comfort and watch your baby.

Keep soft objects & loose bedding out of your baby’s sleep area

These objects can increase your baby’s risk of entrapment, suffocation or strangulation. This includes pillows and pillow-like toys, quilts, comforters, mattress toppers, non-fitted sheets, blankets, toys, bumper pads or related products that attach to crib slats or sides.
If you’re worried about your baby getting cold , you can dress them in layers of clothing or use a wearable blanket. In general, you should dress your baby in only one layer more than you’re wearing.
Don’t use weighted blankets, sleepers, swaddles or other weighted objects on or near your baby.

Don’t let your baby get overheated

Overheating can increase the risk of SIDS. Your baby only needs one more layer than you would wear in the same environment to be comfortable.
Check your baby for signs of overheating such as sweating, a hot chest or flushed skin.
Don’t put a hat on your baby while indoors once you’re home from the hospital.

piedmontpediatrics

Childhood Immunization Schedule in the News