Spring Update 2022

Welcome to Spring from Muskegon Pediatrics!

As school is wrapping up and the busyness of spring activities has begun, we would like to share some important information with you.

Most importantly, thank you for allowing us to care for your child. We pledge to offer you the very #BESTCARE.

School Forms

It is time to enroll for the next school year! Remember we can complete the required school forms at your child’s yearly well child check up appointment.

If your child has had a check up and needs a form completed, you can send it to us through your child’s portal, found at www.muskegonpediatrics.com or call the office at 231-638-4120.

Most kindergarteners will need their hearing and vision checked for registration. If your child has had a check up in the last year, we did those at the check up and we provide you with the information. If your child has not had a check up yet, please call 231-638-4120 to schedule an appointment.

Sports Physicals

If your child will be in 7th -12th grade, they will need a sports physical form on file at the school to participate in school sports. At Muskegon Pediatrics, the sports physical is part of the yearly check up.

We recommend all adolescents schedule their well child exam soon, allowing them to have a sports physical on file at school when it is needed. This will allow more easily for last minute decisions to try a new sport. Please call 231-638-4120 to schedule your child’s well exam.

Masks

We are required by OSHA to continue wearing masks in our office. Please come with a mask to your appointment.

Care Closet

If you are in need of diapers, wipes, clothing, underwear, bras, feminine products, soap, toothbrush/toothpaste or deodorant please call our office so we can help, 231-638-4120.

COVID Vaccination

We have the Pfizer vaccine for ages 5 yrs-11 yrs and 12yrs + available in our office, call to schedule an appointment, 231-638-4120. If you have any questions about these vaccines, please call or send a message in your child’s portal.

As of January 5th, 2022 the CDC recommends those 12 years and older receive a booster vaccine if they are 5 months out from their second vaccine. If you or your child needs a booster vaccine, please call the office to schedule an appointment.

Booster vaccines for the 5-11 year age group have not been recommended at this time.

Prescription Refills

There are two ways to request a prescription refill.

1. You can call our office and leave a message on the prescription refill line.

2. You use the portal to request a refill.

We do not receive requests or honor prescription refills from pharmacies. Please contact our office first if you are in need of refills.

Fun things to do around town

1. Lakeshore Museum - free for Muskegon County Residents with events and activities weekly

2. Muskegon Art Museum - has a fun spot for kids to do art. Free admission on Thursdays.

3. Hackley Library and the Muskegon Area District Libraries have story time, fun kits to take home and beautiful children’s sections for the child to enjoy

MADL Events

1. Muskegon Farmers Market - EBT accepted, try the new food challenge - every visit get 1 new vegetable/food to try with your kids to see foods they may like, but never tried.

2. Parks, parks, parks - we have an abundance of parks to explore - parks for just walking, parks for playing on playgrounds, parks with both. Take a snack or lunch to spend time trying a new park with your kids.

Muskegon County Parks

City of Muskegon Parks

Similac Formula Recall

Similac has recalled its formula due to concern of harmful bacteria contaminating the formula.

The products under recall have a multi-digit number on the bottom of the container starting with the first two digits 22 through 37, contains K8, SH, or Z2 and with an expiration date of April 1, 2022, or after. You can also visit similacrecall.com or call 1-800-986-8540 to verify if your formula is safe.

• If your child consumed this formula:

• Monitor for signs of illness: fever, abnormal fussiness, poor feeding, or lethargy

• If there are signs of illness, please call us or seek care at the ER

• If you currently have cans of this formula, please stop using this formula and use a different can.

• If you are unable to find the formula your child usually takes, please purchase the similar formula in the store brand, enfamil, or nestle good start.

• If you are unable to purchase the formula please call our office for help, we do have a very limited number of samples available.

Happy New Year from Muskegon Pediatrics!

What a beautiful way to usher in 2022 - with loads of snow! Here's a list of important information for our patients.

COVID vaccine

We have the Pfizer vaccine for ages 5 yrs-11 yrs and 12yrs + available in our office, call to schedule an appointment, 231-638-4120. If you have any questions about these vaccines, please call or send a message in your child’s portal.

As of January 5th, 2022 the CDC recommends those 12 years and older receive a booster vaccine if they are 5 months out from their second vaccine. If you or your child needs a booster vaccine, please call the office to schedule an appointment 231-638-4120.

Influenza vaccine

Cases of influenza are rising in the state. If your child still needs an influenza vaccine, please call the office at 231-628-4120.

What is influenza? Many people mistake influenza for the “stomach flu”. The vaccine for influenza protects against the influenza virus which causes high fever for 5+ days, harsh cough, runny nose, and sore throat.

Care Closet

We have winter coats, gloves, and hats available. If you, your neighbor, your coworker, or your friend is in need of clothing items, hygiene products, or winter clothing please contact our office, 231-638-4120.

Prescription Refills

There are two ways to request a prescription refill.

1. You can call our office and leave a message on the prescription refill line.

2. You use the portal to request a refill.

We do not receive requests or honor prescription refills from pharmacies. Please contact our office first if you are in need of refills.

Yearly Forms

It is the beginning of the year… unfortunately there are yearly forms that need to be completed. You can complete these now ahead of your child’s appointment to save time.

1. Social Determinants of Health

2. Patient Information and Consent

In addition, please share any new insurance information with us so when your child does need to be seen, there are no delays when your child needs care.

Patient Centered Medical Home

As a reminder, we are committed to being your child’s patient centered medical home. What does that mean? It means that we will take a lead in helping you coordinate your child’s medical needs. This means we are available to you after hours to help guide you on caring for your child when urgent needs arise, we help coordinate care with other physicians your child may need to see, and review visits your child may make to the emergency room to make sure there are no other ongoing needs. To learn more about patient centered medical home you can go to Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) | Muskegon Pediatrics.

Fun things to do around town

1. Lakeshore Museum - free for Muskegon County Residents with events and activities weekly

2. Muskegon Art Museum - has a fun spot for kids to do art. Free admission on Thursdays.

3. Hackley Library and the Muskegon Area District Libraries have story time, fun kits to take home and beautiful children’s sections for the child to enjoy MADL Events

4. Winter Sports Complex - winter luge, ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, and winter zip line

Here's to a healthy and happy year in 2022!