News you can use: Our Current Newsletter:     Summer 2006 If you would like to receive a copy of our newsletter via e-mail, just drop us a note to: subscribe to newsletter Be sure to tell us your name, e-mail address and chart number (if you're already a patient) Recent Developments in Pediatrics New Vaccines – New vaccines have been added to the routine vaccine schedule.  Adacel – This vaccine protects from Diptheria, Tetanus and Whooping cough.  It is given to children eleven years and older.  Menactra – This vaccine protects from invasive disease caused by the Meningococcus bacterium.   It is given to children eleven years and older.  Rotateq – This vaccine protects from the Rotavirus, the most common cause of severe vomiting and diarrhea in children.  It is an oral vaccine and is given at the 2, 4, and 6 month Well Baby visits.  Guardasil – This vaccine protects against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).  This virus is known to cause cervical cancer in women.   Resources for Pandemic Influenza and Avian (Bird) Influenza Many people are concerned about the prevention and treatment of influenza, including the H5N1 (Bird Flu) pandemic.   The Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has compiled this list of resources to answer questions and provide information about Avian Influenza.  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)     Unites States Department of Health and Human Services – Avian Influenza (www.pandemicflu.gov)  Medine – Plus – Avian Flu  World Health Organization – Avian Flu Inappropriate use of Antibiotics Despite educational intervention that emphasize the correct use of antibiotics, physicians continue to prescribe these drugs for acute respiratory tract infections for which they are not indicated.  Antibiotics are ineffective in treating viral infections. Furthermore, the use of antibiotics for routine viral upper respiratory tract infectious is one of the major causes of the developmental of bacterial resistance to antibiotics.  Our physicians will only use antibiotics after careful assessment and only when clinically indicated.   Please do not hesitate to discuss the use of antibiotics should you have any questions regarding their use.  For further discussion on the use of antibiotics please see Antibiotics and Your Child under Clinical Information. Using the Emergency Room If you have an urgent problem that began after 6:00 p.m. or when our office is closed please call our regular phone number, 714-565-7960 discuss the problem with the person on call.  In the event of a drowning, unconsciousness, severe injury, or other life-threatening emergency, call 911!  If you feel you need to go to an emergency room, then please go.  However, if time permits, please call us before you go.   We will be able to offer you advice as well as authorize the emergency room visit for your insurance company.  We strongly advise against taking your child to an emergency room for routine illnesses or convenience.   Management of routine, non-emergency problems such as colds, sore throats, low-grade fevers, mild flu symptoms, pinworms, diaper rash or minor injuries are best handled during regular office hours. 2007/2008 Flu Season We order our Flu Vaccine in February of 2007 and should receive our shipment by October. We are currently accepting names for our flu vaccine call back list. Please as any staff member to place your children's names on the list.  We will follow all guidelines released by the CDC. Holiday office schedule for 2007 New Years Day - we will be closed on Monday, January 1, 2007 Memorial Day - we well be closed on Monday, May 28, 2007 Independence Day - we will be closed on Wednesday, July 4, 2007 Labor Day - we will be closed on Monday, September 3, 2007 Thanksgiving Day - we will be closed on Thursday, November 22, 2007 Christmas Day - we will be closed on Tuesday, December 25, 2007 We wish you and your family happy and healthy holidays.