By Karen McBride
As the new year begins, it can mean new after school activities and summer programs. If you have not already scheduled your child’s school physical or sports physical, it is not too late. Don’t wait until the end of the school year to schedule your child’s physical for any summer programs he or she may be involved in.
Contact Dr. Michele Johnson-Towson at Pediatric Place of Tampa, a board-certified pediatrician with 30 years of experience in caring for children ages newborn to 21 years old. The cold and flu season is here. Flu season peaks from December to February, but it can last until May, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”). Germs are spread quickly through the schools, and children need to protect themselves from illness as much as possible.
In addition to proper sleep and nutrition to boost their immune systems, vaccines are available. Parents are encouraged to get the flu shot, not only for themselves, but for their children. The flu shot, which contains coverage against the influenza A&B strains, is available in proper doses for ages 6 months and up. According to the CDC, “Getting an annual flu vaccine is the first and best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu.”
Pediatric Place of Tampa is located at 1338 W. Fletcher Avenue, Tampa, FL 33612. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 813-264-2288. Same-day appointments are available (Monday-Friday 8:00am – 3:30pm).
Knowing all too well that families can be in need of a doctor at any time, Pediatric Place offers after-hours/urgent care (Monday-Thursday 3:30pm – 7:00pm; Friday 3:00pm – 5:00pm; Saturday 8:00am – 12:00pm) as a special accommodation to their patients. New patients are welcome and the practice accepts all insurance.