Westerville Pediatric Specialists, Inc.

Westerville Pediatric Specialists, Inc. updated their info in the about section.

We’re very relieved to be past the Omicron surge last month. We’re equally excited by the CDC’s latest recommendations relaxing many requirements for masks (we’re tired of wearing them, too … Dr L has a moustache that deserves SO MUCH ridicule, now).

As a reminder, the CDC still recommends masks for the following indoor settings:
• those in medium areas who are immunocompromised or potentially at increased risk for severe disease if recommended by their health care provider;
• everyone in high COVID areas, including in schools;
• people with symptoms, a positive test or exposure to someone with COVID-19; and
• people using public transportation.

Because of the nature of a pediatric medical practice, we still require masks for all appointments in our offices.

We will continue to reassess these requirements as the pandemic evolves.

We appreciate your understanding. If you have an upcoming appointment and feel that this is unreasonable, we will be happy to reschedule it for a later date.

Thank you,

The Providers of Westerville Pediatric Specialists, Inc. & Sunbury Mills Pediatrics

https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/19719/CDC-lifts-mask-recommendations-for-many

CDC lifts mask recommendations for many The CDC is turning its focus toward protecting people at high risk of severe disease and keeping hospitals from becoming overwhelmed.

Please be advised that our phone hours have changed!

Monday-Thursday: 9am to 4:30pm
Friday: 9am to 4pm
Saturday: 9am to 11:30am

We're excited to receive so many calls regarding the COVID-19 vaccine for children. We're including a link with some great information from Bright Futures. But here are a couple of answers for the more common questions that we receive:

1. Do we recommend the vaccine? Yes! We absolutely recommend the vaccine for all eligible children.

2. Who should NOT get the vaccine? The list of contraindications is quite short. Basically, history of an anaphylactic allergic reaction to the vaccine or one of its components (which is quite rare) is the primary contraindication.

3. What if I or my child has had COVID-19? The risk of re-infection after SARS-CoV-19 is low, but immunity may wane over time. So the vaccine is still recommended.

4. What about the risk for myocarditis? This is being carefully followed. Fortunately, those numbers are quite low (males between ages 16-17y have shown the highest incidence with roughly 63 cases per *million* doses). When compared to the risk of actual infection from COVID-19 and the subsequent risk of cardiomyopathy, the recommendation is very easy.

5. What are the common side effects from the vaccine? The common side effects are similar to what we can see with any of our vaccines: Soreness at the vaccine site; body aches; headache; fever.

6. We just got the flu vaccine. Do we have to wait? Nope! You can get the COVID vaccine at any time.

7. Are we administering the vaccine in our office? Not at this time. Storage, handling, and staffing issues have proven to be a bit prohibitive.

8. Are we planning to dismiss families that refuse the vaccine? Absolutely not.

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact us during office hours! 614-508-2223

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/COVID-19/Pages/Getting-Your-Child-Ready-for-the-COVID-19-Vaccine.aspx

COVID-19 Vaccine Checklist for Kids Age 5 and Up Here’s how to schedule your child’s COVID-19 vaccine. COVID-19 vaccines are free for everyone, including children who are eligible to get the shot. Prevent serious illness by getting the vaccine for your child.