Healthy Steps Pediatrics

Practice News and News in Pediatrics

This is where you will find the latest news about Healthy Steps Pediatrics as well as updates in general pediatric care such as new vaccines or medication

MMRV vaccine now available for 5 year boosters (Aug 2010)

The measles, mumps, rubella and varicella(chickenpox) vaccines are now combined into a single injection for the 5 year booster reducing the number of shots given at that age.

HIB vaccine shortage is over (July 2009)

HIB protects against a type of meningitis. There is enough vaccine for everyone to get doses at 2,4 and 6 months and the 15 month booster. When coming in for your routine exam and have not had your 15 month HIB booster and are under 5 years old, you can get your booster.

New beeper number effective February 19, 2009

Our new beeper number is available in the hours and location sidebar.

FDA advises no cold or cough medications be given to any child under the age of 2 years (August 2007)

Proquad will not be manufactured for at least a year(August 2007)

The combined Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Chickenpox vaccines given to 1 and 5 year olds will not be available until further notice. The vaccines will be given separately as the MMR and Varicella(chickpox) vaccines

Second Chickenpox Vaccine recommended after age 5 (August 2007)

A chickenpox booster vaccine is now recommended for all children vaccinated with the varicella vaccine who are over 5 years old. This can be done at the next scheduled routine physical exam. The vaccine will be in short supply until October 2007, so we may not have it in stock at all times.

Rotavirus added to Vaccine Schedule (September 2006)

An oral vaccine for virus that causes diarrhea and vomiting is available for infants. The first dose of the vaccine must be given prior to ten weeks of age to be effective and will be given at the 2 months well baby check-up and the remaining doses will be given at the 4 and 6 month physicals. Please remember that is is not a injection(shot) but an oral liquid that the baby directs. Vomiting the vaccine does not inactivate it.

Influenza vaccine coverage expanded (June 2006)

The recommendations for the flu vaccine has been expanded to include all less than 5 years of age (and over 6 months). Naturally asthmatics and others with chronic medical conditions that would be worsened if falling ill with the flu are still recommended to get the vaccine yearly. The flu vaccine should be available in late August or early September. The arrival of the vaccine will be posted on our home page.

Hepatitis A Vaccine part of 2006 Vaccine Schedule (March 2006)

Beginning April 1, 2006, Healthy Steps will start administering the Hepatitis A vaccine to all toddlers. The vaccine will protect against a liver infection. Hepatitis A has been given for years in most of the Western US since it was more prevalent there. Vaccination has been so successful that Hepatitis A is now less common in those states as compared to those not giving the vaccine. Healthy Steps will give the Hepatitis A vaccine at 12 months of age and 6 months later. Right now the recommended age group is the second year of life. In a few years the vaccine will be recommended for all patients.