Greetings from Muskegon Pediatrics!
I hope everyone has had a wonderful summer and a successful start to the school year. As the school year takes off and germs start to spread, remember that honey (for those over the age of 1 year) and nasal saline can be your child’s best friends for helping with stuffy noses, coughs and sore throats.
Influenza Vaccine
We are now offering the influenza vaccine for the season. For those older than 2 years of age we have the nasal flu vaccine, which is a spray and no poke, fuss-free option.
Drive-Thru Flu Clinics
Mark your calendars for September 23rd and October 21st. Between 8-11am, we will be hosting drive-thru flu vaccine clinics for children over the age of 2 years of age. It's a fuss-free way for your kids to receive the nasal flu vaccine without leaving the car. Registration links will be provided closer to the dates.
If you are unable to come to the drive thru clinics, if your child is less than 2 years of age or if you would like your child to get the injectable flu vaccine (the flu shot), please call 231-638-4120 to schedule your child’s visit.
Advances in the care of RSV
RSV is a virus that causes significant breathing problems in young children, causing some children to be hospitalized. Last year we had a particularly horrible RSV season with many children hospitalized. Since 1998 there has been a medication called Synagis available to babies with significant health problems to help them fight off RSV and protect them from serious problems from RSV. It has been cost prohibitive to provide to children other than those with other serious health problems.
This summer a new drug, Nirsevimab, was approved for use for all babies from birth to age 8 months. This new drug works the same way Synagis does, but it is cheaper and lasts longer; only one dose a season is required. This drug works by giving your child the antibodies to fight off RSV when your child should come in contact with RSV. This decreases the likelihood of serious problems.
It is recommended that all children ages birth - 8 months receive this medication starting in October of 2023. At this time Muskegon Pediatrics intends to offer this to our patients. We are currently awaiting information from insurance companies to make sure it will be a covered benefit and for it to be available to order. Once we have it in our office, you will receive a notice from us.
If you have any questions, please call the office (231) 638-4120.
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. Please share this information with others, we are here to help anyone in need.
If you are able to donate, we would appreciate donations of children’s clothing, coats, shoes, diapers, wipes, and hygiene items. Our closet can only continue with the generosity of others.
Stay Connected
If you have any questions our team is just a call away at (231) 638-4120.
Warm wishes,
Dr. King and the staff at Muskegon Pediatrics