Pomona Pediatrics

If a child develops a fever or other symptoms that could potentially be indicative of COVID-19, their pediatrician may choose to perform a COVID-19 test. Most of Boston Children's Health Physicians' primary care practices now offer rapid PCR COVID-19 testing, which provides results in 15 minutes or less. Obtaining the information so quickly can help providers, schools, and communities make decisions that affect patient care and public health in real-time. Contact your pediatrician's office to learn more. https://on.bchil.org/3mYeC2C

Wondering about summer camp for your children? Is it safe? Check out tonight's open Zoom meeting where this will be discussed by experts from New York Medical College: http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render

The CDC reminds us of the importance of continuing scheduled well visits and immunizations for your children. We have implemented policies and procedures to keep everyone safe during office visits--personal protective equipment (PPE) for all staff, no use of the waiting room (patients wait in their cars until an examination room is ready), cleaning each room and all equipment between patients, and scheduling well visits early in the day when no sick patients are in the office. Please call for more information--we can accommodate your schedule as needed. https://www.cdc.gov//parents/why-v/well-child-visits.html

Dr. Hackell's discussion with Senator David Carlucci is now available on the Senator's Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/SenatorDavidCarlucci/videos/243089363445165/

Dr. Hackell will be the guest of NYS Senator David Carlucci on a Town Hall today at 4:00 pm on Facebook Live, discussing children's health issues during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as issues faced by pediatricians as we care for our children. https://www.facebook.com/SenatorDavidCarlucci/

Antibody testing has received emergency approval for use from the FDA. While the testing cannot guarantee immunity to COVID-19 virus, it can indicate if one has had a previous infection. If you are interested in having your children tested, we can see them in the office, explain the facts about the test, and draw the blood sample for testing at an outside lab. These visits will be scheduled during hours when other patients are not in the office. Please call for more information.

We are continuing to see patients both in the office--with strict cleaning and use of PPE-- and virtually by telemedicine. Remember that your children still need their immunizations to remain healthy--we are seeing only well children during the morning hours to help keep everyone safe. If your kids are having medical issues, we can arrange to see them virtually--just call the office. And remember to stay safe, wear masks when in public, and maintain social distancing--for everyone's sake!

The American Academy of Pediatrics reminds us that children still need their routine well child visits and immunizations during this time of a National Health Emergency. We cannot risk outbreaks of preventable diseases like measles and whooping cough when our healthcare system is under strain. We offer routine well visits during the morning hours, when the office has just been cleaned and children with illnesses are not scheduled. Please call the office if you have any questions or concerns.

Our virtual visits are becoming more popular with parents (and kids, who get to see their doctor on the computer!) We can take care of many common problems during a video visit, and are happy to be able to continue to care for your children while we all are practicing social distancing. Our website has all the information needed to register for a virtual visit, and our staff can help you as well. Please call us to discuss any problems, and know that we are here for your family.

Just a reminder that the staff of Pomona Pediatrics is here to help your family through this difficult time. We have virtual visits (via computer and smartphone) available. Please continue to contact the office if you need to talk about your kids’ health.

Hand washing is critical to protect our families. Johns Hopkins Medicine has tips for kids. https://twitter.com/hopkinsmedi/status/1244240419430563840

An excellent and informative blog post by our colleague Nerissa Bauer, MD, on parenting during these difficult times: https://www.letstalkkidshealth.org//parenting-in-the-time/

We are excited to announce that Boston Children’s Health Physicians is now offering visits via telemedicine at most of our general pediatrics and specialty site...s! Please contact your provider’s office directly to learn more and to schedule a virtual appointment. To locate an office's contact information, visit: https://on.bchil.org/3b9FcPq See more