Author: Anderson Hills Pediatrics

Limited quantities of injectable flu vaccines have arrived at Anderson Hills Pediatrics. Due to the limited nature of these vaccines, we are reserving them for high risk patients, such as those with chronic conditions.

Our primary shipments of flu vaccines will be arriving later this month for patients of all ages! Our vaccine is the injectable quadrivalent preservative free flu vaccine that is available for those insured by private insurance.  This vaccine is designed to protect against four different flu strains.  It is especially important for children with asthma and other chronic conditions to be vaccinated against the flu. 

We have planned flu clinics beginning Saturday, October 5th and going through the end of November. We also will have some clinics during the evening hours on some week nights.  You may now schedule your child’s flu vaccine online via the patient portal. Or, you may call our office at (513) 232-8100 (option 1) to schedule a future appointment. 

The Ohio VFC (Vaccines for Children) program has not yet shipped our flu order.  Once we receive our supply of VFC flu vaccine we can administer those doses until we run out of stock.  When we use all of our stock of VFC flu doses, the flu vaccine for CareSource and Medicaid patients will need to be obtained from your county health department.   

Anderson Hills Pediatrics recommends immunizations as endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP).  Fainting, feeling dizzy or feeling lightheaded rarely occurs after vaccination and is most common among adolescents and young adults. For this reason a 15 minute period of observation in the office will routinely be performed after vaccination of children 11 years of age and older. If you choose to forgo the observation period, a waiver will need to be completed on behalf of the patient.

Thank you for choosing Anderson Hills Pediatrics, Inc. for your care!

NEWS & UPDATES – August 2019

We all know that smoking has negative consequences on our health. Luckily, the state of Ohio is working on efforts to help prevent or reduce smoking in our children.

According to the CDC, Ohio has one of the highest rates of adult smokers in the nation – 21.%. This past week Ohio became the 17th state to raise its minimum age on tobacco and electronic cigarette sales to 21 years old. The purpose of this change in law is prevent children from smoking as 94% of adult smokers stated they’d had their first cigarette prior to turning 21.

The Ohio Department of Public Health has added a service to all for children under 18 to get free, confidential, real-time help via phone, text or online chat. Follow the link below to check out more regarding “My Life, My Quit.” https://www.mylifemyquit.com/

Last week was the first confirmed case of Measles in Ohio since 2014. We are experiencing a major spread of the measles across 28 states currently in the US. While measles is still common in many parts of the world, this is the largest outbreak of cases reported nationwide since 1992.

Measles symptoms include a rash, high fever, runny nose, cough, loss of appetite and red, watery eyes. The rash usually lasts five to six days and begins at the hairline, moves to the face and upper neck, and proceeds down the body.  Diarrhea and ear infections are common complications of measles. 

Don’t hesitate to call our office if you are concerned that your child may be showing signs or symptoms of measles!

News Release: https://odh.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/odh/media-center/odh-news-releases/health-director-reports-first-measles-case-in-ohio

Check out more from the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/measles/symptoms/signs-symptoms.html

If you have been watching or reading the news lately, you likely have heard about the flesh eating bacteria (necrotizing fasciitis) that is causing illnesses and deaths. This bacteria is known to cause death in 1/3 of those infected. Those at risk currently have open wounds, cuts or injuries that have broken the skin. If you or your child have open wounds, the CDC advises to stay clear of lakes, rivers, oceans, swimming pools, and other large bodies of water. Check out more from the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/groupastrep/diseases-public/necrotizing-fasciitis.html

Walk with a Doc

This doctor-led group is a fun and safe place to go for a walk, learn about health, and meet new friends.

Summer is almost upon us and your child might need a completed physical exam form for camp or sports during the next school year.  These often require an annual physical exam. Please don’t delay and call our office today so we may assist you in scheduling your appointment.

We recommend you schedule via the patient portal at your convenience or by calling 513-232-8100. 

Anderson Hills Pediatrics is currently seeking professional, compassionate and knowledgeable individuals to fill our open positions. Check out opportunities at:

https://www.indeedjobs.com/anderson-hills-pediatrics-inc/_hl/en_US?cpref=JXWAtnzf3XW5aRnY2g_zouV7xMD8uRK8oNym8igt9-A

The recent increase in Measles cases throughout the country has sparked quite a bit of publicity regarding vaccinations. Retired Anderson Hills Pediatrics’ founder, Dr. K. Kurt Bofinger, shares his thoughts on the matter in a Wall Street Journal letter to the editor published February 22nd: “Your editorial ‘Didn’t We Already Beat Measles?’ Is well-received by those of us who wish to see the disease eliminated, but doesn’t go far enough. Widespread immunization began around 1965, and most of the doctors practicing today have never seen a case. The public has forgotten how severe the illness can be. Take it from an old doc, measles is a bad, bad disease. Many if not most of the children who get it are miserable with high fever, malaise and intense cough that often leads to pneumonia. Secondary middle ear infections are also common. In the early decades of the 20th century, 3000 children died annually. Occasional deaths still occur. Measles is not just an ordinary childhood disease. Children should be immunized.”

Didn’t We Already Beat Measles: https://www.wsj.com/articles/didnt-we-already-beat-measles-11550016402
We Must Vaccinate to Keep Diseases Defeated: https://www.wsj.com/articles/we-must-vaccinate-to-keep-diseases-defeated-11550859269

Anderson Hills Pediatrics believes that immunizations are the best way to protect your child against serious diseases, such as Measles. Call our office to schedule an appointment if your child’s shots are not up to date. 

Immunization Schedule: https://ahpediatrics.com/resources/immunization-schedule/

Anderson Hills Pediatrics Updates 02.12.19