There is currently an outbreak of measles in mostly unvaccinated individuals in several states, including a large outbreak in western Texas. Unfortunately, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website is only being updated monthly at this point, so please check the national news or local health department websites for the latest information on case numbers for each state. The Healthy Children website has a comprehensive description of measles and the vaccine schedule for children here. Remember that the measles vaccine is extremely safe and protective. However, it is a live vaccine and so some who are immunocompromised or pregnant cannot get the shot (if they were not immunized previously). Also, the first dose is typically administered at 12 months of age, so most infants are at high risk for getting infected. Infants, other unvaccinated, and immunocompromised individuals all rely on herd immunity to keep them safe, so it is important to keep communities protected against measles to protect everyone. When herd immunity drops below 95%, outbreaks are likely to happen once someone with measles enters the community (often from international travel). Some measles facts: Measles is considered one of the most infectious diseases (airborne) on earth. If 10 unvaccinated people are exposed to someone with measles, 9 will get infected. It can also make children very sick - for people without immunity, 1 in 5 will be hospitalized, 1 in 20 will develop pneumonia (the most common way measles kills young children), 1 in 1000 will develop encephalitis (infection of the brain, sometimes causing permanent brain damage), and 1-3 in 1000 will die. It can cause “immune amnesia,” where the immune system loses its ability to fight other viruses that people were previously immune to. Children are normally vaccinated against measles with the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine at 12 months and again at 4-5 years of age, but can get an accelerated schedule in case of outbreaks. (Accelerated schedule in case of community outbreaks: Extra dose for 6-12 month old infants Second dose of vaccine 28+ days after the first dose) 2 doses of MMR vaccine gives lifetime protection for most people against measles. People born before 1957 do not require vaccination because measles was so widespread in the mid-1950s and earlier, it is assumed that everyone already had the disease and has natural immunity. Find more measles information at HealthyChildren.org . We will continue to update this site.

Beyfortus (nirsevimab) is an FDA approved and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended injection that helps prevent serious lung disease caused by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) . This monoclonal antibody shot is available for all infants younger than 8 months of age during RSV season (typically October through the end of March). It is also available for some children 8 months to 19 months of age who are at increased risk for severe RSV disease and who are entering their second RSV season. Infants under 8 months of age whose mothers received the RSV vaccine (Abrysvo) during the 32nd-36th weeks of pregnancy should be protected for the season and will not need to get Beyfortus (as long as the vaccine was given 2 weeks before delivery). If you would like your child to get this recommended immunization, please contact your insurance company to ensure coverage, then call our office at 434-975-7777 to schedule an appointment. At this time, we can only offer Beyfortus at the Charlottesville (Rio Road) office, but will be offering it in the Crozet office soon.

The newest COVID-19 Moderna 2024-2025 season vaccine is now available in our offices for all children 6 months old through 11 years of age!

With measles on the rise globally, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is recommending that all international travelers get 2 doses of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine at least 2 weeks before travel. Infants under 12 months old should get an early MMR dose at 6-11 months of age, with a second dose at 12-15 months, and a final dose at 4-6 years of age. Children over 12 months of age should get their first dose immediately, with a second dose 28+ days after the first dose. Teens and adults with no evidence of immunity (written documentation of adequate vaccination, laboratory evidence of immunity, or birth in the United States before 1957) should get their first dose immediately, with a second dose 28+ days after the first dose. Find more information on travel protection at this CDC link:

Here is an article about what pediatricians across the country have been seeing:

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) just released a new policy and clinical report on PANS. Click here for more information here.

In September 2024, Consumer Reports tested for lead in ground cinnamon products and spice blends that contain cinnamon and found that 12 of 36 products measured above 1 part per million of lead—the threshold that triggers a recall in New York, the only state in the U.S. that regulates heavy metals in spices. The results from the CR study are linked in the NPR article (below) that also discusses the recall of applesauce pouches from October 2023: