New State regulations for vaccines to enter Sixth Grade -
The State of New Jersey has decided that all students
entering Sixth Grade must get two new vaccines.
One is an adult DPT shot, the other is the newest shot to protect
against Neisseria meningitidis infections.
It is a good idea to get these shots because the diseases they protect
against are incapacitating and lethal. The problem is that the Adacel vaccine, one of the adult DPT shots, and the Menactra
vaccine, the Neisseria meningitidis shot, can only be given on or after the child's 11th birthday. Some children will
still be ten when they enter Sixth Grade, and cannot receive the shots. The state is aware of this. No child who is ten when
September rolls around will be prevented from entering Six Grade for failing to get vaccinated.
The kids have a
two week window after their 11th birthday to get the shots. All the parents need do is schedule their children for the shots
in the two weeks after the 11th birthday. For the kids who will be 11 when entering Six Grade, just schedule them for the
shots at some appropriate during the Summer.
And remember, all adults need the Adacel vaccine also. So parents,
make an appointment with your doc to get the Adacel vaccine. And have you kid hold your hand when you get the shot.
If
your doc cannot provide the vaccine, call me and I'll put you in touch with one who can.
Dr.
D.
Reposted June 10, 2011
It's Summertime! Well almost. The first day of Summer is the 21st, but with
Atlantic City hitting 101 yesterday, I'm declaring it Summer and am now wearing shorts in the office.
We need to review the Summer safety tips.
First,
if the kids
do not know how to swim, and they are three or older, please teach them or pay someone to teach them to swim. If you have
a swimming pool, or a neighbor has a pool, or you live near water, please learn CPR. If it has been several years since your
last CPR course, please re-take it. There have been some changes in the protocol. The American Red Cross office in Pleasantville
gives courses. The phone number is 646 7006
Second,
the heat is brutal. Everyone needs to drink more water. A big glass at every meal, in addition
to the OJ. If the kids are not making as many trips to the bathroom as usual, bring them inside and have them drink some more.
Third,
a tic has to be on you for 24 hours to give you lymes disease. If you strip search
the kids once daily, and take any tics off with tweezers, they will not get lymes disease. But you must be thorough in the
search. Those little critters love scrotal sacks. Also, please do not use the folk remedies to remove the tics. Do not try
to make the tic back out of the kid by covering it with vasoline, etc. And do not attempt the same by touching a burnt match
to the back of the tic. These actions will shock the tic. If you shock the tic, the tic vomits into the kid. As we say in
the medical game, these techniques are "contra indicated". The tweezer technique is as follows. Straddle the head
and mouth parts of the tic with the tips of needle point steel tweezers. Press lightly down into the kid's skin. Grasp
the head, mouth parts, and a piece of tissue with the tweezers and pull up firmly. If you get a piece of tissue with the tic,
you got the whole tic. If a small piece of tic remains in the skin, do not worry, the skin will spit that part out in time.
Forth,
Protect the kids, and yourselves, from sunburn. 50 spf block or better. And reapply frequently.
Fifth,
Rabies
is a continuing problem. Make sure all the pets in the neighborhood are vaccinated for rabies. Make sure the kids do not go
near any animals you do not know. And make sure you all steer clear of the animals which are most likely to carry rabies.
Bats, foxes, skunks, racoons ground hogs, wild cats, and coyotes.
Have a great and a safe summer.
Dr. D.
