Respiratory Illness Information

We have been seeing a dramatic rise in respiratory illnesses from viruses now that the COVID19 restrictions have been lifted. The American Academy of Pediatrics has a few resources to help parents understand these viruses, how to help manage their children at home, and when to call to have them seen.

RSV - When it’s more than just a cold

COVID19 vs RSV vs FLU

CDC Symptom Length for Common Cold


Call us with any concerns and if you feel your child needs to be seen.

Similac Ready to Feed Formula Voluntary Recall

Abbott has a voluntary recall on 2 oz ready to feed formulas due to small amount of bottles not being properly sealed. Use this link to find out more information from the FDA. Below we have listed some of the lot numbers. If you have this formula please do not use.

If your child has consumed one of these products, there is a small chance it might lead to GI upset. If you have any concerns about symptoms please call our office.

2 oz Similac 360 Total care Advance

-Item Number 68708

-Bottle Lot number 39633N200

-Case/Bag Lot Number 420258H00

2 oz Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive

-Item Number 68711

-Bottle Lot Number 41843N200

-Case/Bag Lot Number 430328H00

COVID-19 Bivalent Booster for 5-11 year olds

The CDC and FDA have approved the COVID-19 Bivalent Vaccine for children 5 and older. It is recommended that everyone 5 and older receive the bivalent vaccine booster 2 months after their last vaccine or their last booster. It is NOT recommended for the 1st or 2nd dose in the COVID-19 series.

We will be offering the pfizer COVID-19 bivalent booster. Until we receive the vaccine we will not be offering a booster for age 5-11, as per CDC guidelines. Check back here for updates on when it will be available. If you had scheduled an appointment for the COVID-19 booster please call to reschedule for a time when it will be available.

Here is some more information on this new booster and the other recommended COVID-19 vaccines: COVID-19 vaccine CDC FAQ’s

FLU VACCINES AND COVID-19 BOOSTERS

It’s that time of the year again – Flu Vaccine time. We are in the process of planning our flu clinics, which will likely begin in a few weeks on the weekends. In the interim, if you are able to get your flu shot elsewhere, do not hesitate to do so. They are easily available through local pharmacies.

We are also hoping to provide COVID-19 booster shots, including the new bivalent vaccine, at upcoming clinics. We are recommending that those patients eligible for the new bivalent vaccine do get it. There are a few community based clinics going on as well, all listed on the vaxfinder website. The below clinic is in JP on Sept 16th:

https://vaxfinder.mass.gov/locations/jamaica-plain-ellis-childrens-pediatric-5-11-years-september-16-only/

 

Check back here and through the patient portal for updates on dates and availability for our clinics. If you are coming to our office for a visit, ask about the flu or COVID-19 vaccine, as we are often able to give them at visits. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to try to get as many of our patients vaccinated as quickly as possible!

Product Recall - Magnesium CItrate Saline Laxative Oral Solution

We have been notified that there is a recall on the product below. If you have this please dispose of it and reach out to us to discuss alternative medications. You can also click the link below for more information and to find out about rebates.

·         Product Description: Magnesium Citrate Saline Laxative Oral Solution

·         Reason for Recall: Microbial testing identified the presence of Gluconacetobacter liquefaciens.  Immunocompromised patients, who consume this product, may be at increased risk for invasive infections caused by this organism that could lead to serious, life-threatening adverse health consequences

·         Full recall information is available here

·         At this time, alternatives to magnesium citrate for all indications must be considered.  One such alternative is Polyethylene Glycol-Electrolyte Solution (Miralax).

COVID-19 Vaccines for 6 month to 5 year old patients

We at Roslindale Pediatrics are excited about the FDA’s approval and the CDC’s recommendation for COVID-19 vaccinations for patients 6 months to 5 years old.

At the first possible opportunity, RPA ordered the COVID vaccine for our patients under 5 years. We continue to await shipment, which will not occur until the vaccine has been formally approved and recommended by the FDA and CDC. We anticipate that the vaccine will be shipped and available as soon as next week.

We have ordered the Pfizer vaccines, which is a 3 dose series. We chose Pfizer due to the efficacy data we currently have available.

We are currently offering vaccine clinics for this age group. You should have received a mychart message with information on how to sign up. If you are unable to come to one you can call to schedule a vaccine appointment, or if you are bringing in your child soon, we can give it at their next visit.    

We will continue to have vaccine clinics over the next several weeks in order to meet the needs of our patients. 

If you would like to have your child vaccinated at a vaccine site, please visit the mass.gov website with a link to the vaxfinder page and information about the vaccine. You can also read more about the vaccine for this age group on the CDC’s website here and through the American Academy of Pediatrics website here.

How to discuss School Shootings with your Children

At Roslindale Pediatrics we are in shock about the recent Robb Elementary School shooting. As a practice that dedicates our work to the overall health and wellness of our youth, we are devastated with the news that these children’s lives were lost with such a senseless act of violence. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families.

We know this can be very difficult to discuss with your children and they often have a lot of questions.

Here are some resources for families to help talk about these topics with your children. If you have any concerns about how your child is reacting to this event please reach out to us.

https://www.nctsn.org/

https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources//talking_to_children_about_the_shooting.pdf

www.healthychildren.org

Baby Formula Shortage

We are aware of the current baby formula shortage right now and know that this can be very frustrating trying to find nutrition for your baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics has some tips that may be useful during this time. Please read about it here and reach out to us if you have any questions.

Here are some resources that might help you find formula:

Community Resources

Manufacturer Hotlines

The Loss of Robert Stacks, MD

We are saddened to share that Dr. Robert Stacks passed away on Friday, March 4th.

Dr. Stacks was the face and soul of Roslindale Pediatrics. He was an incredibly talented pediatrician who cared deeply for the community he served. We are so proud to have worked with him and learned from him for many years.

Dr. Stacks joined Dr. John Bowers in 1971 as the second pediatrician at Roslindale Pediatrics. He dedicated himself to Roslindale Pediatrics for 45 years. During those years, he touched the lives of thousands of children and their families. If you were lucky enough to have known Dr. Stacks, you remember a clever nickname he gave you, his quick wit, his friendly disposition, and his calm demeanor.

In addition to caring for patients, Dr. Stacks was also a mentor to the pediatricians and staff who joined him at Roslindale Pediatrics. He wore many hats at RPA, also running the administrative and business aspects of RPA, a job that came to him naturally from the years he spent helping to run his family’s pharmacy before he became a doctor.

Throughout his years, Dr. Stacks was recognized for his exemplary work as a pediatrician. Dr. Stacks was named Community Pediatrician of the Year by Children’s Hospital and was recognized as one of Boston’s Best Pediatricians by Boston Magazine. We would argue he was also one of the best dressed pediatricians in the country.

After his retirement, he helped to continue to run the administrative aspects of Roslindale Pediatrics for several years. He oversaw the design and building of our current space on Centre Street, and would often stop by to check in and share some stories. The entire staff will miss those impromptu visits.

Over the past few years, he had spent his winters in California, which is where he passed away suddenly this past week.

We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Leslie, their children and grandchildren.

Details of the services can be found through this link.

FORMULA RECALL

As many of you have already seen, there is a recall on Similac Pro-Advance, Alimentum and Elecare products. Please use the link below to check if the formula you have at home is part of the recall. If it is, please stop using it. You will be able to find the lot number at the bottom of the container. Impacted lots will start with a 22 through 37, not including the letter at the beginning. Example: L31465SH00.

Similac Formula Recall