Camp or Sports Physical?

If your child needs a camp or sports physical form filled out, please give us a few days notice.  Form completion and copies of immunization records take time to complete. 

Thanks for understanding!

March 22, 2013 – We still have flu vaccine…

We still have flu vaccine available.  We will continue to administer the vaccine to those who are eligible.   The flu “shot” is available for children ages 6 months and older.  Flu “mist” is available for children that are 2 years old and older.  Please call to make an appointment for your child to get the flu vaccine in one of our flu clinics. 

For detailed information about the flu vaccine please click on the Vaccine Information Statements in the right column of this page.

The following form MUST be completed prior to your child receiving flu vaccine:

http://www.ballardpediatrics.com/documents/flu_screening_form_2012.pdf

AFTER HOURS – Urgent Care at Children’s Hospital

When our office is closed, instead of going to the Emergency Room, you can now go to the Urgent Care Clinic at Seattle Children’s Hospital main hospital campus.  Whale parking lot, Whale 4 entrance.  It is important to understand that Urgent Care is not intended for emergencies but is appropriate for minor illnesses and injuries.  Note:  In some instances it may be necessary for the Urgent Care physicians to refer you to the Emergency Room. 

After Hours Availability:

Monday-Friday:  5:00pm-10:30pm

Saturday, Sunday and holidays: 11:00am-8:00pm

No appointment is necessary

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Pertussis – Please Read…

Pertussis is a highly communicable (contagious), bacterial infection of the respiratory tract.  It is spread through airborne respiratory droplets such as coughing.  Diagnosis is done by obtaining a specimen through a nasal swab.  The test results are most accurate when done during the first 3 weeks of the cough and might not be effective after week four. 

Pertussis is treated with antibiotics.  Once the full course of antibiotics is complete the patient is no longer contagious and can return to school or daycare.  Taking antibiotics will protect the patient so they are no longer considered contagious but they may not alter the course of the disease. 

If your child is being seen for suspected Pertussis, they need to wear a mask while in the clinic. 

We recommend and routinely vaccinate children against Pertussis following the standard schedules adopted by the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics.  This includes the Dtap series for ages 2, 4, 6, and 18 months with a pre-Kindergarten booster.  In addition, there is a booster dose of Tdap recommended for 11 year olds. 

Dtap = Diptheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis

Tdap = Tetanus, diptheria and acellular pertussis

The difference between Dtap and Tdap is that one is formulated for small children and one is formulated for older children.

More information about Pertussis can be found on the CDC website at: 

http://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/about/index.html

Pertussis Fact Sheet: http://www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/communicable/diseases/pertussis.aspx

The following chart shows the phases of the disease progression:

Stage	Length	Clinical Features
Stage 1: Catarrhal (most contagious)	Usually 7-10 days; range of 4-21	Characterized by: Coryza (runny nose) Low-grade fever Mild, occasional cough (which gradually becomes more severe)
Stage 2: Paroxysmal	Usually lasts 1-6 weeks, but may persist for up to 10 weeks	Characterized by: Paroxysms (bursts) of numerous, rapid coughs due to difficulty expelling thick mucus from the tracheobronchial tree. Long aspiratory effort accompanied by a high-pitched “whoop” at the end of the paroxysms Cyanosis Vomiting and exhaustion Paroxysmal attacks: Occur frequently at night, with an average of 15 attacks per 24 hours. Increase in frequency during the first 1-2 weeks, remain at the same frequency for 2-3 weeks, and then gradually decrease.
Stage 3: Convalescent	Usually 7-10 days; range of 4-21	Characterized by: Gradual recovery Less persistent, paroxysmal coughs that disappear in 2-3 weeks Paroxysms often recur with subsequent respiratory infections for many months after the onset of pertussis.

COPIES OF IMMUNIZATION RECORDS

Please allow a minimum of one week turn-around time to process your request for copies of immunization records.  We receive several requests each day for copies of immunization records and this is a very time intensive process to complete.  We encourage you to keep track of your child’s immunizations in the state supplied vaccine record.

When you receive your copy, please update and KEEP your child’s permanent immunization record so that you can furnish future copies on your own.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

COPIES OF IMMUNIZATION RECORDS:

We require a minimum of one week to copy your immunization record. 

SCHOOL SPORTS or CAMP PHYSICAL and FORMS:

We require a minimum of 3 business days to complete a sports or camp physical form.  If your child has not been seen within 2 years, you must schedule a physical exam before the doctor can complete the form.

SCHEDULING WELL CHILD EXAMS:

Our schedules fill up very quickly.  Please allow at least 2-3 months notice if you need to schedule a physical exam for your child.

PRESCRIPTION REFILLS:

For prescription refills contact your pharmacy and have them fax to us a “refill request” form: Our FAX #: 206-783-3196.  If your child takes a controlled medicine, you must call our office to receive a hand written prescription.  Controlled medicines cannot be phoned into a pharmacy.