Lewis Pediatrics

01/09/2026

Polka Dots are Cute - Measles are Not!

2025 saw more cases of measles since 1991. The final tallies are in and there were 2144 cases of measles reported (the numbers may actually be higher). There were 49 outbreaks in 45 different areas compared to 16 outbreaks the year before. 69% were in children and adolescents. 93% were in patients who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown. 240 people were hospitalized with measles and complications and 2 children and 1 adult died from an infection that is preventable.

The measles vaccine (in a combination with mumps and rubella-German measles) is extremely safe and very effective. One dose is 93% effective against measle, and two doses are 97% effective.

Measles is a highly contagious virus. One infected person can infect 12-18 unimmunized people compared to influenza where 1 person can spread the virus to 1.5-2 people or Ebola virus where 1 person can spread the virust to 1.5-2.5 people.

The MMR vaccine at 12 months and the MMRV (with chickenpox) vaccine at 4 years are part of the recommend vaccine schedule. The second dose of the vaccine can be given as soon as 28 days after the first dose if there is a possibility of exposure.

We continue to follow the vaccine schedule recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the NY State Department of Health. Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions.

From all of us at Lewis Pediatrics - Best Wishes for a Happy and Healthy 2026!

12/16/2025

From one of the most respected vaccine experts

Anti-vaccine activists RFK Jr., Aaron Siri, and Steve Kirsch have asked that I debate them on vaccine safety. One of them offered me $1 million to do it. Here’s why I declined.

12/12/2025

3PEAT

We have been named the Best Pediatric Practice in the Rochester Community Choice Awards for the 3rd year in a row. Although this is just a popularity contest, we are grateful to all of our supporters who voted and voted and voted for us again this year.

12/05/2025

We took a HUGE step backwards today.

A sad, sad day for the children of the United States. To paraphrase Neil Armstrong and his first words on the moon, this is "a small step backward for the ACIP and a giant leap backwards for the well-being of our children."

The science supports the current hepatitis b vaccine recommendations, not the whims of a panel of "advisors" who do not have the creds to make decisions that could jeopardize the health and future of our children. Although they have opted to eliminate the birth dose of the vaccine, I, along with the vast majority of pediatricians and the American Academy of Pediatrics, will continue to follow the current guidelines. We will discuss and support the birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine and will definitely encourage our families to start the vaccine series by 2 months of age. We will also follow the guidelines put forth by the AAP, our professional organization and the NY State Department of Health along with the Northeast Coalition of states supporting the current vaccine schedules. The CDC can no longer be considered a reliable source of information.

This is, most likely, the first of many poor decisions that the ACIP will make under Mr. Kennedy's rule. Pediatricians as well as parents will get to see illnesses that they have only seen in textbooks. I am old enough to have diagnosed 2 cases of measles and 1 of mumps and have seen babies die from whooping cough, haemophilus influenza b, pneumococcus and meningococcus infections. I have been lucky enough to practice in an era where we have increased our ability to safely prevent this infections with vaccines. When I started my practice in 1981, we immunized against 7 infections. Since then, our vaccines have become much more refined with significantly fewer side effects, and we now routinely protect against 15 potentially fatal infections. These are scientific advances. To coin another phrase, "Vaccines cause adults."

And, I continue to take issue with Senator Cassidy, who now voices his concerns about the proceedings of the committee. If he had not put politics ahead of the Hippocratic Oath when approving Mr. Kennedy's appointment, we might not be in this situation.

We at Lewis Pediatrics will continue be here for you, address your questions and concerns, provide you with the best information we can, and put your health and the health of your children as our top priority. Thank you for the honor of caring for your families.

11/21/2025

THE CDC can no longer be considered a "trusted source" for medical/vaccine information after today.

The Washington Posted reported today "CDC in turmoil after agency backpedals on rejecting vaccines-autism link". The website now contains a number of false statements linking autism to routine vaccines quoting a 1998 study that has been retracted and proven false. The science and numerous studies do not support these statements, and although Mr. Kennedy testified to the Senate Health Committee and promised Sen. Cassidy, its chairman, that he would not change the language on the CDC website trehat says that autism is not caused by vaccines.

Our practice, along with the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Practice and the Health Departments of NY State and many other states continues to support the use of vaccines to prevent diseases that can severely harm or even kill our children.

At the present time, please refer to the American Academy of Pediatrics and its website, www.healthychildren.org, www.immunize.org, or the Vaccine Education Center of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for reliable information about immunizations.

And of course, Dr. O'Rourke and Dr. Lewis are available to answer your questions.

Having a flu clinic? Use this resource to scan QR codes or click hyperlinks for instant access to 45 translations of the Influenza (Flu) Vaccine (Inactivated or Recombinant) Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) on a smartphone or tablet.

09/12/2025

We are hiring!

Our independent pediatric practice in Brighton seeks a Registered Nurse for 30-36 hours a week (4 days). We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional patient care with a personal touch, and we’re looking for someone who shares our commitment to excellence and empathy. We’re a close-knit pediatric office that treats every family like our own. We are known for high standards in clinical care and outstanding patient service. Parents trust us not only for our medical expertise but for the warmth and kindness we bring to every visit.

What You’ll Do
• Provide gentle, attentive care to infants, children, and adolescents and their families both in person and on the phone.
• Administer immunizations and assist with routine procedures
• Support families with education and guidance
• Work closely with physicians and staff to ensure a smooth, supportive experience for every patient
• Maintain accurate documentation and uphold safety protocols

Qualifications
• Current RN license in New York State
• CPR certification
• Pediatric experience preferred, but not required
• Strong communication skills and a friendly demeanor
• A genuine passion for working with children and families
Why Join Us?
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• A nurturing, low-stress environment where your work truly makes a difference.
• Opportunities to build lasting relationships with families
• Become part of a supportive team environment

If you’re ready to bring your heart and skills to a practice that values both, we’d love to meet you. Please send your resume to info@lewispediatrics.

09/08/2025

2025 Rochester Community Choice Awards

We have been nominated for Best Pediatric Practice for a third year in a row. Thank you to whomever nominated us. Please vote for us. You can vote DAILY! We appreciate the support, not just for this contest, but for the 44 years we have been in practice. It has been an honor to be a part of your lives.

Here is the link to the voting website.

07/07/2025

Immunizations - The Science is Here

Measles cases in the US have hit a 33 year high with 1281 reported as of this weekend. (2126 cases in 1992). Measles had been "eliminated" in the US in 2000. We need to protect our children against these infectious diseases that are preventable with immunizations. The studies have been done. The vaccines are safe and effective. They do not cause the disease. Other ingredients in some of the vaccines have also been proven to be safe beyond a reasonable doubt. Mr, Kennedy and his appointees do not need to spend our money on studies (which will undoubtably "prove" their beliefs which are not based on science.

Today, the Academy of Pediatrics, along with other professional organizations, sued the Department of Health and Human Services to protect immunizations for children.

05/30/2025

Stroll for Strong Kids
Saturday, May 31st, 8:30 AM Genesee Valley Park

Let’s gather teammates, lace up our sneakers, and get moving for a great cause: the Golisano Children’s Hospital. This fan-favorite fundraiser goes to support important programs that serve our mighty kids and loved ones.

05/05/2025

MEASLES AND MORE

As of May 1, there have been 935 reported measles cases in the US. There are most likely many more unreported cases. At this rate, we will very quickly surpass the previous high of 1,274 cases reported in 2019.

Researchers from Stanford University and the Baylor College of Medicine released a study in JAMA last week that used modeling to estimate how many measles cases the country could see in the next 25 years under different vaccination scenarios.

At current levels, there could be more than 851,000 cases, 170,000 hospitalizations and 2,550 deaths, and measles would be endemic again, according to the models.

If MMR vaccination coverage dropped by 10%, researchers estimated there could be 11.1 million cases over 25 years. However, with a 5% increase in vaccination, there may be about 5,800 cases.

Measles was officially declared eliminated from the United States in 2000. However, the country will lose its measles elimination status if endemic measles virus transmission continues in a defined geographic area for 12 months or more.

There have also been 219 reported deaths in children from influenza this year, topping last year's record high of 207 cases. These are not records we want to beat. The most likely cause is the decrease in the immunization rate this year.

And, not to be outdone, there have been 8064 reported cases of whooping cough and 2 infant deaths in Louisiana from this preventable infection in Louisiana. The first deaths from this infection since 2018. Cases of whooping cough increased by 400% from 2023 to 2024. Again, decreased immunization rates are largely responsible for these increases.

The bottom line... immunizations save lives.

04/10/2025

GOOD NEWS!

NY Ranks 8th in the US for Children's Health Care.
Rochester Ranks 19th in the US as one of the Healthiest Cities

New York ranks as the eighth best state for children's health care in 2025, according to a WalletHub study. The state performed well in areas such as the percentage of uninsured children, ranking third, and infant mortality rate, ranking sixth. However, New York ranked 29th for childhood obesity and 20th for vaccination rates.

Rochester ranks 19th nationwide among the healthiest cities in the US according to a WalletHub analysis of 182 cities nationwide. The study assessed cities on 41 criteria including health care, food, fitness and green space.

04/07/2025

More Measles

As of today, 04/07/2025, a third patient has died from measles and there have been 607 cases of measles reported in the United States, along with over 600 cases in Canada. This is not a "normal" occurrence as RFK Jr and other members of Children's Health Defense, the anti-vaccine organization that he founded, would like us to believe. There are no cures for measles. Vitamin A only plays a role if you are vitamin A deficient (very unlikely) and is otherwise potentially toxic.

Measles cases have been confirmed in Alaska, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, New York state, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont and Washington

Many experts feel that the number of cases of measles is under-reported. Historically, there are usually 1-3 deaths per 1000 cases of measles. Thus, with 3 deaths, there should be 1000-3000 cases. Most likely, many of these ill patients have not sought medical care and are probably out in the community spreading this very contagious virus.

The vaccine is the most effective vaccine we have. 93% immunity is attained with the first dose and 95-97% with the second. The second dose can be safely and effectively administered 28 days after the first.

If you are planning on traveling, you should consider immunizing children who are eligible for their 2nd dose and immunizing any children between 6 and 12 months. If you are traveling through major airports, internationally or to areas with reported cases, please let us help you determine your children's immunization status and recommendations.