As students, parents, teachers, school staff and administrators tackle the complex issue of schools re-opening in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, many have turned to their trusted pediatricians as sources of information. We have gathered the most frequently asked questions about schools re-opening from the 80+ members of our chapter’s School Health Committee and have provided answers in a FAQs format, with supporting scientific references when available, with the hope that this information helps all involved with this complex topic. Click to view the Schools Re-opening FAQs.

The available vaccines for the 2020-2021 influenza season have been updated from the 2019-2020 seasonal influenza immunizations to provide a better match for the influenza viruses expected to circulate in the United States. This influenza season, providers can choose any licensed, age-appropriate vaccination that their patient is eligible and safe to receive with no preference for one versus another. According to the CDC, it is projected that manufacturers will provide upwards of approximately 195 million doses of influenza vaccines this year – the most for any season on record.

Implementation of infection prevention and control policies that include screening patients/caregivers prior to arriving and at arrival to the clinic for flu vaccination is vital to preventing the spread of COVID-19. The CDC states that September and October are generally excellent times to begin influenza vaccination given the potential for decreased protection later in the flu season if the flu vaccine is given earlier. Vaccinations should additionally continue to be offered throughout the influenza season (even into January or beyond) as long as influenza is circulating. The CDC provides general vaccination guidance during COVID-19 as well as specific guidance for vaccination clinics held at satellite, temporary, or off-site locations if that is a part of your planned flu vaccine campaign. Note that, regardless of whether or not they have symptoms, those with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 should have flu vaccination deferred until they meet criteria to discontinue their isolation so as to avoid exposure risk to others.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and the AAP have not yet provided a finalized set of recommendations for the 2020-2021 season. Look out for updates on last year’s recommendations likely later this month and start planning early on how your practice will reach out to ensure the most coverage for your patients and their families.

TRAINING OPPORTUNITY: For any and all interested, please join the AAP virtual townhall on preparing your practice for the 2020-2021 influenza season on August 11, 2020 at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT – you can register here.

Reach Out and Read works directly with pediatric providers to share the lifelong benefits that result from families reading aloud to their children every day. Through Reach Out and Read, pediatric teams can provide new, age- and language-appropriate books and share literacy advice with children and parents at each well-child visit.

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First 5 LA is excited to announce the release of the “Early Screening, Better Outcomes: Developmental Screening & Referral Toolkit for Pediatric Medical Clinics”. Developed by University of Southern California, University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) and First 5 LA, this Toolkit for Pediatric Medical Clinics presents the phases to implement a new developmental screening initiative, or refine existing screening practices to strengthen quality and effectiveness within a pediatric medical setting. Each phase is comprised of a series of steps and tools. Read more ...