BTSD Nurse News
Week of 5/25/20
Contact Us!
If you have any questions or concerns during the school closure, please reach out to your child's nurse and we will be happy to assist you in any way we can.
BTES
Erica Cofone
Bayville/HMP
Melissa Reece
CBW
Kim Helling
Is it OK to see my pediatrician during COVID-19?
Jennifer Shu, MD, FAAP
Yes! Your pediatrician's office is open and taking extra steps to make sure you and your children are safe when you come in.
Now more than ever, it's very important that families stay connected to their pediatrician and their medical home. Your pediatrician cares about the health of your baby, child or teen and is happy to talk to you about anything from medicines and illnesses to injuries and behavior issues.
In the office
Even though families are staying home to prevent the spread of COVID-19, there are still important reasons why you may need to bring your child into the office, including:
- Newborn visits after a baby is born.
- To stay up-to-date on immunizations.
- For hearing and vision screenings.
- To monitor growth, blood pressure, and other vital signs.
- To check labs such as for anemia.
- To check on developmental milestones.
- To treat infections or injuries.
- Adolescent health concerns, such as menstrual care and depression screening.
Pediatricians are taking steps to make sure it's as safe as possible for visits that need to happen in person. Some offices have separated “sick" and “well" areas of their clinic or are having newborns come in early in the day before any other patients. Calling ahead is important so your pediatrician can advise you on the best way to come in.
Video visits
For other kinds of appointments, many pediatricians are now offering video visits. Call your pediatrician's office to see if this is available for your child or teen.
What to do if your child gets sick
If your child has been exposed to COVID-19, or you are concerned about your child's symptoms, call your pediatrician immediately.
Sometimes it's hard to tell how sick your child is. Luckily, a trip to the hospital is usually not needed for a simple cold or cough, mild diarrhea, constipation, temper tantrums, or sleep problems. Call your pediatrician for any concerns you may have about your child's health.
Emergencies
If you feel you need to call 911, trust your instincts and call. Otherwise, it's generally a good idea to check in with your pediatrician first. Sometimes they can help over the phone or will help coordinate other kinds of care for your child without going to the hospital.
Most of all, do not avoid calling your pediatrician or worry that a trip to the clinic or hospital will put you or your child at higher risk for COVID-19. Doctor's offices and emergency departments are still seeing and treating patients and are following all recommended steps to keep patients and families safe.
See the article, When to Call Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for more information about what to do in an emergency.
We are here for you
We know parents are really scared. But pediatricians are still here, ready to help you care for your child. If your child is sick or injured, or struggling emotionally, pick up the phone and call your pediatrician. We are working hard to make sure we can care for your child, while still keeping everyone safe.
Visiting Parks and Recreational Facilities
Protect Yourself and Others from COVID-19
Staying physically active is one of the best ways to keep your mind and body healthy. In many areas, people can visit parks, trails, and open spaces as a way to relieve stress, get some fresh air and vitamin D, stay active, and safely connect with others.
Know before you go: While these facilities and areas can offer health benefits, it is important that you follow the steps below to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
DO
- Visit parks that are close to your home
- Prepare before you visit
- Stay at least 6 feet away from others (“social distancing”) and take other steps to prevent COVID-19
- Play it safe around and in swimming pools. Keep space between yourself and others
DON’T
- Visit parks if you are sick or were recently exposed to COVID-19
- Visit crowded parks
- Use playgrounds
- Participate in organized activities or sports
Read more at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/visitors.html
Preschool Immunization Requirements
If you have registered your child for Preschool, please keep in mind that if you have not already submitted your child's health records, you will need to do so before starting school in September. This includes an immunization record and a physical exam form signed by your child's doctor.
The following immunizations are required for your child to start school:
DTaP x 4
IPV (Polio) x 3
Hib (at least one of them must be after 1st birthday)
PCV (at least one of them must be after 1st birthday)
MMR
Varicella
The following immunization is required by 12/31/20:
Influenza
Kindergarten Immunization Requirements
If you have registered your child for Kindergarten, please keep in mind that if you have not already submitted your child's health records, you will need to do so before starting school in September. This includes an immunization record and a physical exam form signed by your child's doctor.
If your child is moving up from Preschool to Kindergarten, please obtain a record of all booster shots required to move up to Kindergarten.
The following immunizations are required for your child to start school:
DTaP x 5 (may be 4 if the 4th one was given after 4th birthday)
IPV (Polio) x 4 (may be 3 if the 4rd one was given after 4th birthday)
Hep B series of 3
MMR x 2
Varicella (chickenpox)
Grade 6 Immunization Requirements
If your child is entering 6th grade, he or she will need a record of the following immunizations:
Tdap
Meningococcal