We hope this latest update finds you and your loved ones well.
Please share the article, follow and like us on Facebook and Instagram. Your support and feedback are really appreciated and so valuable in helping us improve these updates. We aim for this information to be useful to you and all families.
Our new classes for weaning infants onto solids are getting some great feedback so far. Our virtual classes offer top tips on how to make weaning enjoyable for you and your baby and give you the opportunity to ask any questions too. You can book online to join the class and also see dates for our popular First aid training classes for parents. The classes are suitable for all parents and carers so please share with anyone you feel may benefit. For more information or if you have any questions please email us at info@childhealthy.co.uk.
Do you have a question or topic that you would like covered in this newsletter? Please email info@childhealthy.co.uk and we will aim to include this in the next update.
Our practice is here to support you as usual.
We wish you all the very best,
Dr Yiannis and the Childhealthy team.
- COVID-19 vaccine in under 18s.
- Childhealthy’s complete guide to chickenpox.
- Protecting your child from the sun and heatstroke.
Vaccinations for the under-18s are due to start being rolled out. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised the government to offer two doses of Pfizer's BioNTech vaccine for the following groups:
- 12-15-year-olds who have:
- severe neuro-disabilities
- immunosuppression
- Down Syndrome
- profound and multiple learning disabilities or those on the disability register
- 12-17-year-olds who are household contacts of people of any age who are immunosuppressed
- Those turning 18 in the next three months
The JVCI has also recommended a single dose of Pfizer's BioNTech vaccine for all healthy 16 and 17-year-olds. They will provide an additional update in the autumn with regards to second doses once more data has been analysed.
Prioritising the first dose for this age group and delaying the second until more information is gathered, allows the JCVI to provide the best available advice with the latest data available while still giving some protection with the first jab.
When will my child be able to get their vaccinations?
How and when these are to be administered is still being developed and it’s likely that different areas will take a different approach - much like with the adult vaccination programmes.
Are there any side effects for under 18s?
We know that COVID-19 presents milder symptoms in younger people and so it is important to weigh up the benefits of any vaccine against the possible, although extremely rare, side effects. In our June Newsletter, we discussed some of the questions being raised by parents relating to vaccinating children against COVID-19.
How can I find out more information about under 18s vaccinations?
Public Health England is a great resource for up-to-date information about the vaccine, its safety and its side effects.
This helpful flowchart, has been developed by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and uses a traffic light system to help you know when to take your child to A&E if they have a temperature and other symptoms.
Our COVID-19 and children FAQs detail what symptoms to watch out for and what to do if you think your child may have coronavirus.
Emergencies are best looked after in an emergency department or by calling 111 for advice or 999 in an emergency. However, if you’re feeling worried or unsure about your child’s health, you can always talk with one of our paediatricians. Please feel free to contact us at Childhealthy, we will be happy to help.
Clinic, remote appointments and home visits are available daily.
Childhealthy’s complete guide to chickenpox.
New on our Childhealthy website this month is Childhealthy’s complete guide to chickenpox.
What are the symptoms of chickenpox? How does chickenpox start? How do you protect your children from getting chickenpox? Our guide covers all of these questions about this common childhood illness and more.
If you have a question about chickenpox that isn’t covered in the guide, please do email us at info@childhealthy.co.uk so we can add it in.
Protecting your child from the sun and heatstroke.
The summer season comes with long days filled with outdoor activities. One of the most important things you can do as a parent is to make sure they stay safe in the sun.
You can read How to protect your child’s skin in the sun for top tips on what sun cream to use, how to apply it and when and more information on why protecting your child’s skin is so important.
Heatstroke is another condition to be aware of this summer. How to deal with heatstroke in children, lets you know the symptoms to watch out for and the precautions you can take to prevent it from happening.
If you’re planning on travelling with children or taking trips abroad this summer, our guide on what to take with you when you travel with children has some useful advice.
If you have any concerns about your child, or you’re unsure whether your child is well enough and able to travel, you can arrange an appointment with your paediatrician.
That’s all for now. As always, we are all here and available to support you with your child’s health. I hope you find the further resources below useful.
Further resources:
- RCPCH COVID-19 vaccination for children and young people
- Public Health England updated advice on COVID-19 vaccination of young people
- RCPCH Advice for parents during coronavirus flowchart
- Gov.uk latest vaccination figures
- Childhealthy’s complete guide to chickenpox.
- How to deal with heatstroke in children
- How to protect your child’s skin in the sun
