From new research to practice recommendations to advocacy efforts, AAP News has been helping pediatricians stay up to date on child health issues. Here is a look at the top 10 most-read stories on the AAP News website in 2023.
1. AAP releases nirsevimab guidance, calls for continued access to palivizumab
Aug. 15, 2023 — The AAP provided guidance on eligibility and timing for the new monoclonal antibody nirsevimab (Beyfortus) to protect infants and high-risk toddlers from respiratory syncytial virus. However, rollout of the immunization has been tumultuous. Full AAP News coverage of supply issues, new Current Procedural Terminology codes and Vaccines for Children program flexibilities is available here.
2. Study: Adolescent school shooters often use guns stolen from family
Nov. 27, 2023 — A recent study took an in-depth look at the types of weapons used in school shootings from 1990-2016 and how adolescents obtained them.
3. CDC panel OKs PCV20 for children, changes to flu vaccine precautions for people with egg allergiesJune 22, 2023 — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted to add the 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine as an option and expanded its definition of high-risk children. The group also said people with a history of egg allergy of any severity can be given an influenza vaccine appropriate for their age and health status with no additional safety considerations.
4. Immunization schedule updated for 2023; COVID vaccine added
Feb. 9, 2023 — Additions to the 2023 schedules for children and adolescents included COVID-19, measles, mumps and rubella, and 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines. The 2024 schedules have since been released. Read more about the new schedules here.
5. AAP reaffirms gender-affirming care policy, authorizes systematic review of evidence to guide updateAug. 4, 2023 — The AAP Board of Directors’ decision reflected concerns about restrictions to access to health care with bans on gender-affirming care in more than 20 states.
6. AAP’s first clinical practice guideline on obesity advises early, intensive care that focuses on ‘whole child’Jan. 9, 2023 — The first AAP clinical practice guideline on the evaluation and treatment of pediatric obesity highlighted evidence-based approaches that pediatricians can use to treat children and adolescents effectively and safely.
7. New flu guidance for 2023-’24 season emphasizes need to improve access to vaccination
Aug. 29, 2023 — The AAP continues to recommend annual influenza vaccination of all children without medical contraindications starting at 6 months of age. Any licensed influenza vaccine appropriate for age and health status can be administered.
8. CDC: Autism rate rises to 1 in 36 children
March 23, 2023 — The 2020 autism rate for 8-year-olds was higher than the 2018 rate of one in 44. It also was lower for White children than other races for the first time.
9. Colleagues mourn loss of Talat J. Khan, pediatrician killed in Texas
Nov. 3, 2023 — Dr. Khan, 52, was stabbed to death while sitting at a picnic table near her apartment in a Houston suburb. The longtime Seattle-area pediatrician was remembered as a dedicated mother and beloved colleague.
10. FDA approves nirsevimab to prevent RSV in infants
July 17, 2023 — The monoclonal antibody nirsevimab (Beyfortus) was approved as a single injection for infants and high-risk toddlers to protect them from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). About 58,000 to 80,000 children under 5 years are hospitalized with RSV each year.
