Andorra Pediatrics Newsletter Update Happy fall and start of school! We hope everyone has an exciting and productive start to the school year.
With the fall and the start of school comes an increase in respiratory illnesses/colds. Remind your children to practice lots of good hand washing, cover their mouths when they cough/sneeze, and think about wearing a mask if they are having cold symptoms. Flu shots are here and being offered at visits!
As of this summer, our office has gone mask-optional, however if you are having COVID 19 symptoms we do ask you wear a mask to your visit for the safety of the office and other patients.
*****CoVid-19 Vaccines update****
There continues to be an increase in COVID cases in Philadelphia and surrounding areas. We are waiting on the CDC and FDA to meet in September to approve the newest COVID booster that is more targeted to the newest COVID strains. Check in with us to see if it is available for your child in the next month or so.
**We have the Pfizer vaccine for ages 6 months and up in stock and are administering it to our patients.*** The bivalent Covid booster has now been approved for all ages 6 months+ Pfizer vaccine is now approved for children down to age 6 months and a 4th booster dose has been approved for ages 6 months and up. The vaccine has been shown to be very safe in children and provide the same excellent level of protection against COVID 19 infections as has been shown in adults. We are recommending your child receive this vaccine.
Side effects: these are minimal. Some people get symptoms (usually mild) similar to the Flu, but these only last a few days. The symptoms are a good indicator that your body is responding to the vaccine. The benefits of the vaccine far outweigh the short-term side effects. We are recommending that everyone who is eligible for the vaccine, look for a location to get signed up. Please feel free to discuss any concerns about this vaccine with our office. COVID-19 PCR Test If you have a concern about a Covid-19 exposure to you or your child, please call our office to set up a Video visit. If we feel you or your child needs a Covid-19 test, we are doing these outside the office by the Suite 9 entrance. We will give you a time to come for the culture. Results have been coming back in 24-48 hours (sent out to LabCorp).
Office Safety It is very safe to come to our office for your child's scheduled Well visit. - We have set up Lucite dividers in our front reception area to provide extra protection for you and our employees.
- Everyone on our staff has had 2 of the Covid-19 vaccines.
- We have installed special air cleaners in our Heating/AC system that effectively filters out bacteria and viruses.
- All rooms are cleaned with alcohol before every patient is seen in that room.
- All staff always wear gloves and masks when interacting with families.
Video Visits If we feel the fever and/or symptoms your child is having may be caused by Covid-19 (known or possible exposure at school, daycare, college, etc.), we will have you bring your child to the office and have a Covud-19 test done outside Suite 9 (rear of building).
Newsletter Articles Please read these each week as they will be changed regularly and provide information that covers many current Pediatric issues. Our initial introduction letter will be updated about our office changes monthly.
Visit our Web Site: www.AndorraPediatrics.com for handouts that discuss many common problems families face. See our "Rash" section that shows pictures of many of the rashes your child may experience over the years.
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