Peninsula Pediatrics

Category: General Pediatrics

Vaccines, Autism & the CDC Update: What Parents Should Know

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As your child’s medical home, we want to address a recent update on the CDC’s website openly, clearly, and compassionately.

First and most importantly:

Nothing has changed in our medical guidance, our vaccine policies, or our confidence in the safety of routine childhood immunizations.

Like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Peninsula Pediatrics stands firmly on decades of evidence-based research. The science continues to be clear: vaccines do not cause autism. This conclusion has been supported by numerous large studies involving hundreds of thousands of children, and it has been reaffirmed by major medical and public health organizations across the world.

The AAP responded promptly to the CDC update, reiterating the strength of the existing evidence. You can read their full statement here.

We know how unsettling it can feel when conflicting or confusing information circulates online—especially when it involves your children. Our goal is to provide clarity and reassurance amid the noise. At Peninsula Pediatrics:

  • We follow the evidence.
  • We support the full routine vaccine schedule.
  • We continue to trust the extensive research demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of childhood immunizations.

 

Vaccines protect not only individual children, but also our entire community, especially those who are too young or unable to be vaccinated. This is a responsibility we take seriously.

If you have questions, concerns, or simply want to talk through what you’ve seen, please reach out. We are here for thoughtful, honest, and judgment-free conversations.

Thank you for trusting us with your children’s care.

We remain as committed as ever to providing guidance rooted in science, compassion, and the well-being of every family we serve.

Peninsula Pediatrics

What to Know About Tylenol

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As a parent, you’ve likely reached for Tylenol (the brand name for acetaminophen) at some point, whether to ease your baby’s fever or soothe teething pain. Recently, some headlines and social media posts have raised questions about whether acetaminophen could be linked to autism or other developmental conditions. Understandably, this has caused concern for many families. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Tylenol is safe for children when used as directed, and there is no link between acetaminophen use and autism.

Decades of studies have shown that acetaminophen, when taken in the correct dose, is an effective and safe way to relieve pain and reduce fever in children. Millions of families have used it for more than 70 years, and it remains one of the most trusted medications in pediatric care.

Some recent claims online have suggested a possible connection between acetaminophen use during pregnancy or early childhood and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, according to the AAP, these claims are not supported by credible scientific evidence. The research cited in those claims is inconsistent and does not demonstrate a cause-and-effect relationship. In fact, when experts have reviewed all available data, the conclusion is clear: acetaminophen does not cause autism.

When a child is sick, comfort and safety are a parent’s top priorities. Acetaminophen remains one of the safest options for managing fever and pain relief, especially compared to other alternatives. It can be used for children of all ages, including infants, as long as the correct dose is given based on the child’s weight and age.

Here’s what parents can keep in mind for safe use: 

  •     Always follow dosing directions carefully. The right dose depends on your child’s weight, not just their age. Your pediatrician or the medication label can help guide you.
  •     Use the right measuring device. Household spoons are not accurate. Use the syringe or cup that comes with the medication.
  •     Keep track of timing and doses. Avoid giving more than the recommended amount within 24 hours.
  •     Consult your pediatrician if your child’s fever lasts more than a few days or if you’re unsure about dosing.

 

When used as directed, acetaminophen can safely relieve discomfort from teething, colds, ear infections, or even post-vaccine soreness. It’s also a recommended fever reducer for infants under 6 months old (since ibuprofen is not yet safe for that age group).

Some parents have also asked whether taking acetaminophen during pregnancy could affect a baby’s development. The AAP notes that current research does not prove a link between acetaminophen use in pregnancy and autism or ADHD. Pregnant individuals are encouraged to discuss all medications with their healthcare provider, but acetaminophen remains one of the few pain and fever relievers considered safe to use when needed.

It’s easy for misinformation to spread quickly online, especially when it comes to children’s health. The AAP continues to closely review new studies, and its guidance is based on a careful scientific review, not trends or headlines. Your pediatrician is also here to help you navigate these questions and ensure your child gets the care they need. If you have questions about medications, dosing, or managing fever and pain at home, please contact our office. 

Fluoride for Your Children’s Oral Health

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There has been conflicting information in the media about fluoride posing health risks, such as reduced intelligence in children and cancer. This will hopefully help clear this up!  You may be concerned about your children drinking regular tap water that contains fluoride. However, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), when fluoride is used at recommended levels, it is a safe and effective way to prevent tooth decay, and it does not pose a detectable risk of cancer or other serious issues, nor is it linked to lower IQ. The recommended amounts of fluoride in drinking water and toothpaste have been extensively studied and are supported by the AAP, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the American Dental Association (ADA).

Benefits of Fluoride for Children

Fluoride is a natural mineral found in water and many foods, and it plays a key role in strengthening the tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks from plaque, bacteria, and sugars in the mouth. It also helps reverse early signs of tooth decay by rebuilding weakened areas of enamel before cavities form. Children who receive the right amount of fluoride are far less likely to develop cavities and may avoid more invasive and costly dental procedures down the road.

Children can get fluoride from drinking from community water systems that add the mineral to the water supply or by using prescribed supplements if fluoridated water is not accessible. Fluoride can also be applied directly to the teeth through toothpaste, mouth rinses, or treatments given at the dentist’s office. The AAP recommends that parents start brushing their baby’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first tooth appears. If your child is under the age of 3, use only a tiny smear of toothpaste that is the size of a grain of rice. Between the ages of 3 and 6, kids can use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. 

Fluoride Varnish Treatments for Children

Your child’s pediatrician or dentist may recommend fluoride varnish treatments based on your child’s risk of tooth decay. Fluoride varnish is safe and effective, as only a small amount is used. It is quick to apply and harden, and can be brushed off after 4-12 hours. Children do not swallow these treatments, nor would they be able to lick the varnish off their teeth. After the fluoride varnish is applied, your child will be able to eat and drink afterwards. But, it’s best to stick to soft foods that are at a moderate temperature or liquids. Avoid brushing or flossing for at least 4-6 hours. 

Routine Dental Check-Ups 

It’s important to keep up with your child’s routine dental check-ups for potential cavities and oral health problems that should be addressed as early as possible. The AAP recommends that all infants have oral health risk assessments by 6 months of age. Babies with a greater risk of early cavities should be referred to a dentist as early as 6 months old and no later than 6 months after the first tooth erupts. If you have any questions about fluoride or concerns about your child’s oral health, please call our office.