Peninsula Pediatrics

Category: General Pediatrics

Update on Hepatitis B Birth-Dose Recommendations

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As your child’s medical home, we want to clearly and calmly address a recent recommendation change discussed by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) regarding the Hepatitis B vaccine at birth.

First and most importantly:

Nothing has changed in our medical guidance, our vaccine policies, or our recommendation that newborns receive the Hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) promptly issued a statement reaffirming its long-standing stance: the birth-dose of Hepatitis B remains critical protection for all newborns. The New York State Department of Health and NYC Department of Health have also reiterated that they continue to strongly recommend Hepatitis B vaccination at birth.

We know that vaccine updates can feel confusing—especially when national organizations use new or unfamiliar language. Our goal is always to provide clarity and reassurance, grounded in science and the well-being of your baby.

At Peninsula Pediatrics:

We follow the evidence.

We support the AAP birth-dose recommendation.

We remain committed to protecting newborns with the earliest and most effective prevention available.

Hepatitis B infection in infancy is serious, and early vaccination provides proven long-term protection when it matters most. This is why national pediatric and public health organizations continue to stand firmly behind the birth dose.

If you are currently expecting, preparing a birth plan, or have questions about timing or safety, please reach out. We are always here for thoughtful, compassionate, and judgment-free conversations.

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

We remain as committed as ever to guidance rooted in science, compassion, and the protection of every child entrusted to us.

Peninsula 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.