Peninsula Pediatrics

Category: Preventive Care

Why Vaccines Matter

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As parents and caregivers, we want to keep our children healthy and safe from illnesses, especially life-threatening ones. Although there’s been a lot of recent noise about vaccine safety, medical science and pediatric experts remain clear that vaccination is safe and the most effective way to protect kids from serious illnesses. Extensive studies on vaccines and their potential risks find that recommended vaccines are safe for children and adolescents and are not associated with diabetes, infertility, autism, or any other developmental delay. Large-scale studies conducted in multiple countries over many years have found no credible link between life-saving childhood vaccines and autism. The original study that claimed a connection was retracted due to faulty data. 

Scientific evidence also shows that vaccines do not cause Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). While many vaccines are given at ages when SIDS risk is naturally higher, research confirms there is no causal relationship. In fact, some data suggest vaccines may even help reduce the risk of SIDS. Every vaccine undergoes strict testing before it’s offered to children. After approval, it continues to be monitored closely for safety through systems like the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). This ongoing surveillance helps catch rare side effects and ensures ongoing confidence in vaccine safety. It’s also important to remember that mild side effects, such as a sore arm or low-grade fever, are normal signs that the body is building protection. More serious adverse events are extremely rare, and pediatricians are trained to respond quickly if they occur.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) encourages following the recommended immunization schedule for children, which is based on the most recent scientific data. Starting with newborns, it’s recommended to give your infant their first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine before leaving the hospital, to protect against a virus that can lead to serious liver disease. Over their first six months, your baby will begin receiving additional vaccines, often around the 2-month checkup, including vaccines for rotavirus, DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b), polio (IPV), and pneumococcal disease. These early doses are critical because they protect infants during a time when their immune systems are still catching up. During this same window, babies can also receive medication to prevent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a leading cause of hospitalization in infants. Parents who are pregnant during RSV season may receive a vaccine to help protect their baby after birth. 

Starting at 6 months, it is recommended that children get the annual flu vaccine, which is recommended for everyone over 6 months old. Even healthy kids can develop complications from influenza, and yearly vaccination helps reduce severe illness. The COVID-19 vaccine is also recommended for children beginning at 6 months, as young children are at higher risk of hospitalization from COVID. Both vaccines are safe and effective, and they can often be given at the same visit as other scheduled vaccinations. 

As your child reaches 12 to 15 months, it is recommended that they receive vaccines to protect them from MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), varicella (chickenpox), and hepatitis A and get booster doses of earlier vaccines. These prevent illnesses that can cause serious complications, from pneumonia and brain swelling to liver disease. Before starting school, children should receive boosters for DTaP, polio, MMR, and varicella to keep their immunity strong. By this age, your child’s immune system has learned to fight off up to 16 preventable diseases, thanks to the vaccines they’ve received since birth. Staying on schedule not only protects your child but also helps prevent outbreaks in schools and communities.

Parents often wonder why vaccines are timed so specifically. The answer is that years of research show vaccines work best at certain ages and intervals. Following the schedule helps your child’s body build lasting protection during the periods when they are most at risk. Pediatricians keep careful track of each vaccine and can help you catch up if your child ever falls behind.

Hearing conflicting opinions about vaccines can be confusing. But your pediatrician is here to provide guidance and can talk you through the risks and benefits and help you make informed decisions that fit your family’s needs. If your child is behind on immunizations or if you have any questions about vaccines, please call 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. 

Cold and Flu Season

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The sick season is here, and we’ve seen an increase in the number of patients with the common cold and flu. These respiratory infections often spread through close contact with sick individuals or by touching your face after coming into contact with contaminated surfaces. Fortunately, there are steps to take to protect your family and reduce the risk of illness this season. 

As recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we highly encourage families to vaccinate their children against the flu. Babies and younger children are particularly at risk of developing severe complications from the flu, which may require hospitalization. Since a baby’s immune system is still developing, it is more challenging for their body to fight infections. The flu vaccine strengthens your child’s immune system and helps protect them from the virus. Children should receive their first flu vaccine at six months of age. If your child is under eight years old and receiving the flu vaccine for the first time or has only received one dose previously, they will need two doses four weeks apart for full protection.

In addition to the flu vaccine, there are several preventive measures you can follow to keep your kids safe from getting sick. Remind your children to practice good hygiene such as washing their hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially before eating or touching their face. It’s also important to disinfect frequently touched surfaces. Make sure to wipe down toys, tables, doorknobs, and other areas your kids come into regular contact with. Keep your kids away from anyone who is ill, including other family members in the household. Extra care should be taken when visiting crowded public spaces, such as airports, where germs are more likely to spread.

Even though there is no cure for the common cold or the flu, there are ways to help ease your child’s symptoms and make them feel more comfortable if they do become sick. Getting plenty of rest and drinking lots of fluids is essential. For congestion, you can use a nasal spray to loosen and help get rid of mucus. A cool mist humidifier or a warm bath can also be effective for relieving congestion. If your child has a sore throat, you can provide them with herbal tea mixed with honey. However, this should be only for children over one year of age. Honey is NOT safe for babies under the age of one. The recommended amount of honey for children between one and five is half a teaspoon. Kids ages six to eleven can have one teaspoon, and for children over twelve, they can have two. If this isn’t sufficient in soothing their throat, you can give your older child a cough drop, but make sure to follow the product instructions. 

If your child has a fever, you can give them acetaminophen or ibuprofen. But it’s important to follow the correct dosage based on your child’s age. We recommend following these guides for the right dosage: acetaminophen and ibuprofen. If your child’s fever is above 104°F or you have an infant under 3 months with a fever, seek medical care. 

In most cases, the cold and the flu will improve with home care. If your child’s symptoms persist or get worse, please call our office. We also advise calling the pediatrician if your child is under 3 months or if they have chronic health conditions, such as asthma or diabetes, that put them at a higher risk of complications.