Wareham Pediatrics

01/12/2026

Our rates of influenza in the office remain high. Last week, 27% of nasal swabs performed in our office were positive for influenza A and for the first time this season we have begun to see influenza B (1.7%). Thankfully, we have not had to hospitalize any patients with influenza, but most patients we see with flu have high fever, cough, and feel lousy.
The rise in flu seen in our office mirrors what is being reported across the state. One reason for the rise in influenza this year has been steadily decreasing influenza vaccination rates in children.
It is important to vaccinate against influenza because in addition to reducing the risk of being infected, it also decreases the severity of disease. Please consider contacting the office to schedule an appointment for a flu shot.
Contrary to reports that physicians encourage influenza vaccination to make money, it is important to understand that the flu vaccine is provided free of charge to all Massachusetts residents under the age of 19. The only fee charged by the office is an administration fee which is meant to cover the cost of supplies and staff time to administer the vaccine.

01/08/2026

https://open.substack.com/pub/yourlocalepidemiologist/p/flu-is-up-up-and-away-snap-restrictions?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=post%20viewer

The Dose (January 8)

01/08/2026

Routine childhood immunizations are an important part of the path to lifelong health. Misinformation about vaccines has made it harder for families to know who or what to trust. Reliable, science-based guidance can help you make informed, confident choices for your kids.

Routine childhood immunizations are an important part of the path to lifelong health. Misinformation about vaccines has made it harder for families to know who or what to trust. Reliable, science-based guidance can help you make informed, confident choices for your kids. Join Dr. Jennifer Shu, Medic...

01/06/2026

"Tragically, influenza has already been reported to be associated with the deaths of three pediatric patients in Massachusetts during recent weeks. In addition, there have been 29 adult influenza deaths reported so far this season. While COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) rates currently remain low, cases of both illnesses are beginning to rise. DPH is reviewing two possible COVID-19-associated deaths and one RSV-associated death in individuals younger than 18 years" MASS DEPT OF HEALTH

Pediatric deaths underscore urgent need for vaccination and preventive measures

01/06/2026

Statement by AAP President Dr. Andrew Racine on today’s HHS announcement about the childhood immunization schedule:

“Today’s announcement by federal health officials to arbitrarily stop recommending numerous routine childhood immunizations is dangerous and unnecessary. The longstanding, evidence-based approach that has guided the U.S. immunization review and recommendation process remains the best way to keep children healthy and protect against health complications and hospitalizations.

For decades, leading health experts, immunologists, and pediatricians have carefully reviewed new data and evidence as part of the immunization recommendation process, helping to keep newborns, infants, and children protected from diseases they could be exposed to in the United States as they develop and grow. Today’s decision, which was based on a brief review of other countries’ practices, upends this deliberate scientific process.

During this uncertain time, the AAP will continue to publish our own childhood vaccine recommendations.”

01/03/2026

How does mobile technology affect parent-child relationships? Are kids and parents both affected by these digital distractions?

12/29/2025

Flu season is here, and influenza levels are increasing in our community. Last week, 24% of flu tests in our office were POSITIVE! That means now is a great time to protect your child. 💙
A flu shot can help reduce the risk of illness and keep kids healthy, active, and in school.
Appointments are easy to schedule—just call our office, and we’ll help you find a time that works.
Don’t wait for the flu to spread further. Call today to schedule your child’s flu shot.

12/28/2025

12/28/2025

Pediatricians across the U.S. are already seeing surges in influenza cases this winter. The flu can be serious for kids under 5 or those with conditions like asthma or diabetes, putting them at a higher risk of severe illness.

AAP recommends that children and teens receive the influenza vaccine annually to help build immunity to the flu virus each year.

12/11/2025

“When I graduated from medical school in 1999, I thought the only way my classmates or I would ever come into contact with a case of measles would be through international volunteer work. Unfortunately, the success of the measles vaccination efforts of the late 80’s and 90’s is quickly unraveling and sadly my colleagues and I now fear that one day we may be dealing with an outbreak in Massachusetts like this one currently in South Carolina. Childhood vaccination is critical to keeping children and communities safe and healthy” Dr Reynolds

Some students who remain unvaccinated are now in a second 21-day quarantine since the beginning of the school year.

12/09/2025

A vitamin shot given at birth prevents lethal brain bleeds, but more parents are opting out putting newborns at risk.

​​Newborn infants are usually given vitamin K soon after birth to prevent a life-threatening disease called hemorrhagic disease of the newborn. Learn more here.

12/05/2025

My statement on RFK’s handpicked vaccine advisors’ decision to abandon longstanding guidance on hepatitis B vaccine for newborns.