Kidz1st Pediatrics

Announcements

• ALL PEOPLE 5-49 YEARS OLD ****************************** FluMist, the nasal spray flu vaccine, is more effective than the injectable vaccine and can be given to persons 2-49 years old who are well and are free of certain medical situations. Availability this season is spotty due to high demand. See "FluMist Eligibility Criteria" under the "Influenza" heading to see if you and your child qualify. ----------------------- FluMist is now covered by many insurances. If your insurance does not cover FluMist, you will be responsible for full payment. See "FluMist" under the heading "Influenza" to the left for further information on the vaccine. ----------------------- The vaccine supply situation can change frequently. Check back here regularly or call for further information. ******************************
• INFLUENZA VACCINE ****************************** The injectable influenza vaccine for 2008-2009 is available and in good supply. The vaccine should be given to everyone 6 months old and older. Parents and caregivers with contact with high risk people (young children, asthma, diabetes, etc) should also receive the vaccine. At this point in time, there is no indication of any shortage or distribution problems for this year. Hurray!!! Call our office for more information or to make an appointment. ******************************
• HIB VACCINE RECALL ****************************** Several lots of a Hib vaccine have been recalled. Bacteria were found on the manufacturing machinery but not in the vaccine. No adverse events have been reported from receiving the recalled vaccine and any recalled doses given are still effective. There are two Hib vaccines manufactured. The recalled vaccine represents a minority of the Hib vaccine that Kidz1st uses. All families whose children received a recalled dose have already been notified. Recalled doses in our stock have been returned to the manufacturer.
• ALWAYS LOOKING FOR GREAT PEOPLE ******************************** At Kidz1st, we are always looking for great people - those with good people skills, a solid work ethic, a love for learning, a love for kids, and a great attitude. We are currently searching for registered nurses and receptionists who are fluently bilingual in English and Spanish. If you know of anyone who may be interested, please call 248-651-8197 and ask for Judy, our office manager.
• NEW WALK-IN CLINIC ************************* Fast Track, the new Kidz1st walk-in clinic, is now open! Hours are Monday-Friday from 7:30am-9:00am. No appointment is necessary. First come, first served. Get your child checked before work, before school or daycare, before leaving for vacation.
• INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL CONSULTS ****************************** Kidz1st now offers international travel consultations. Immunizations, medications, food and water safety, and many other topics are covered. Call for more information or to make an appointment. ******************************
• SAFE EAR PIERCING ******************** Would you let a jewelry store clerk take out your appendix? No! Then why let them pierce your child's ears. Kidz1st will pierce ears in our office using the Blomdahl Medical Ear Piercing System - the system that we believe is the safest available. Call for details or an appointment. ********************
• WART REMOVAL ******************** Kidz1st offers quick, effective cryotherapy in our office for wart treatment. Cryotherapy involves removing the wart by freezing. Call us for more information or to set up an appointment. ********************
• SPANISH SPOKEN ******************** If you are more comfortable communicating in Spanish, we're the place to be. Dr. Operti-Considine is fluent in Spanish. ********************
• FREE CONSULTATION ******************** Kidz1st offers free prenatal and new patient consultations with the doctor of your choice. Call for an appointment. ********************
• NEW CERVICAL CANCER VACCINE ****************************** There is now a vaccine, called Gardasil, to prevent infections from Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). HPV is a sexually transmitted disease. Gardasil is able to protect against the 4 main strains of HPV that cause nearly all cases of cervical cancer. For best results, the vaccine should be given before the initiation of any form of sexual activity, preferably at 11-12 years old. Females 13-26 years old should also receive the vaccine, even if they have been or currently are sexually active. It is a 3 dose series and is covered by most insurances. ******************************
• MENINGITIS VACCINE ****************************** Meningococcus is a bacteria that causes meningitis, a life threatening brain infection. Menactra (MCV4) is a vaccine to prevent meningococcal meningitis. A single dose of Menactra should be given to all youth 11-18 years old. ******************************
• CHICKEN POX VACCINE BOOSTER ****************************** Beginning in 2007, it is recommended that all children and youth 4 years old and older receive a booster dose of the chicken pox vaccine. ******************************