August 2024
Just Released—AAP Guidance for 2024-2025 Influenza Season Posted 8/29/23
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) just released the updated policy statement and technical report for the 2024-2025 influenza season, which provide recommendations and guidance on the prevention and treatment of influenza in children and adolescents. The AAP continues to recommend annual influenza vaccination of all children without medical contraindications starting at 6 months of age.
- Policy Statement: Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza in Children, 2024–2025
- Technical Report: Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza in Children, 2024–2025
Stay updated this coming influenza season by visiting the new Respiratory Illness Season News and Resources page on Red Book Online—a comprehensive list of resources on the prevention and treatment of influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus in children and adolescents compiled by the AAP Committee on Infectious Diseases (COID).
Find valuable information in the Immunization Quick Reference topic on Pediatric Care Online (PCO) and see all the recommended vaccinations in the Immunization Schedules on RBO. Also, learn what is new and what was updated in the immunization schedules in the PCO Webinar Updates to the 2024 Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule by Pia S. Pannaraj, MD, MPH, FAAP, COID member.
And, be sure to give your patients and parents the Pediatric Patient Education (PPE) handout Influenza (Flu): What You Need to Know—available in 13 additional languages. Find hundreds of patient handouts and resources on PPE at https://publications.aap.org/patiented.
July 2024
New—Updated PCO Quick Reference Topics! Posted 7/12/24
Find the following new and updated Point-of-Care Quick Reference topics on Pediatric Care Online (PCO). Visit PCO often to see all the new and updated Quick Reference topics!
- Cyanosis
- Dehydration
- Dental Problems—NEW!
- Drug Eruptions
- Dysuria
- Edema
- Enterovirus Infections
- Epistaxis
- Fragile X Syndrome
- Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage
- Heart Failure
- Hepatitis
- Herpes Simplex Viruses
- HIV Infection in Children and Adolescents
- Human Herpesvirus 6A, 6B, and 7 Infections
- Meningitis
- Ocular Trauma
- Thermal Injuries
- Traumatic Extremity Fractures and Dislocations
- Umbilical Anomalies
Pediatric Care Online Point-of-Care Quick Reference topics provide content in a concise bulleted format to quickly find the information you need.
June 2024
New PCO Webinar—Updates to the 2024 Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule! Posted 6/27/24
The following new PCO Webinar, presented by Pia S. Pannaraj, MD, MPH, FAAP, is available to view on the Webinars page of Pediatric Care Online (PCO) and Red Book Online!
Updates to the 2024 Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule
In this webinar, Dr. Pannaraj reviews the latest updates to the Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule: United States, 2024, discusses the new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations, and strategies for improving vaccine communication and uptake. View webinar
Pia S. Pannaraj, MD, MPH, FAAP, is a Professor of Pediatrics at the University of California, San Diego, Rady Children’s Hospital, and a member of the AAP Committee on Infectious Diseases.
Resources
- AAP Policy Statement: Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule: United States, 2024
- Immunization Schedules for 2024
- Red Book: 2024–2027 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases, 33rd Edition
PCO Editorial Board Opportunities! Posted 6/4/24
Please assist us in our efforts to identify the most qualified candidates to serve on the Editorial Board of Pediatric Care Online (PCO)—the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) digital point-of-care resource since 2008 (learn more). Applications are being accepted for the following two positions (click the position title to see detailed information).
Associate Editor, General Pediatrics – Oversees content in one or more assigned topic area(s) for PCO, reviews medical content, supervises routine review of content by Medical Reviewers, and contributes to the ongoing development of AAP Point-of-Care Solutions. Includes honoraria.
Associate Editor, Neonatology – Oversees neonatal content for PCO, reviews medical content, supervises routine review of content by Medical Reviewers, and contributes to the ongoing development of AAP Point-of-Care Solutions. Includes honoraria.
If interested in applying for one of the positions, please submit your CV and complete the PCO Editorial Board Application at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PCO_2024 by end of day, Friday, June 21, 2024.
In alignment with the AAP Equity Agenda, we are committed to celebrating the work of members from groups underrepresented in medicine. We encourage applications from diverse candidates in terms of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, subspecialty, practice location, and/or national origin.
May 2024
NEW! Red Book 2024 on Red Book Online Posted 5/15/24
The newly revised and updated Red Book: 2024–2027 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases, 33rd Edition, is now available on Red Book Online—the go-to resource for the most current information on pediatric infectious diseases.
For more than 85 years, health care professionals have relied on Red Book for trustworthy guidance on pediatric infectious disease prevention, management, and control. The new 33rd edition continues this tradition with the latest clinical guidance on the manifestations, etiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of more than 200 childhood infectious diseases. The new edition includes a significantly revised chapter on discussing vaccines with patients and parents; new chapters on COVID-19 and mpox; expanded tables, figures and algorithms; and an expanded listing of codes for commonly administered pediatric vaccines, toxoids and immune globulins.
Click “Red Book 2024–2027” to go directly to the Table of Contents. And, refer to the Summary of Major Changes to quickly see all the new and updated content in Red Book 2024. Access frequently visited chapters and content by using the new “Quick Links” feature on the RBO home page.
AAP members can request one complimentary print copy of Red Book 2024 as a member benefit by visiting https://www.aap.org/getredbook. Nonmembers can order a copy at https://bit.ly/4adBBOq.
Start using the new edition of the Red Book on Red Book Online today!
Coming Soon: 2024 Red Book on RBO! Posted 5/10/24
The new 33rd edition of Red Book: 2024 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases is coming to Red Book Online (RBO) Tuesday, May 14!
Be sure to visit and see all that is new and updated. In the meantime, learn more about the 2024 Red Book by tuning in to this week's new "Pediatrics On Call” podcast: Pediatrics Research Roundup, New Edition of the Red Book – Episode 201, featuring David Kimberlin, MD, FAAP, Editor, of the new edition.
How Has Caring for Children With ADHD: A Practical Resource Toolkit for Clinicians, 3rd Edition Served Your Practice? Posted 5/1/24
The next edition of the American Academy of Pediatrics ADHD Toolkit is in development, and we would like to hear from you!
Your response to this 8-question survey will help us better understand how the third edition of this resource serves your practice, how we can improve the resource for the fourth edition, and what new tools can be created to help you care for children with ADHD.
Some questions in this survey include the following:
- What tools were most useful to you?
- What tools were not used in your practice?
- What new tools and topics would you like to see in the next edition?
Please submit your feedback by Monday, May 13th. Your response is valued and appreciated!
April 2024
PCO: More Updated Quick Reference Topics! Posted 4/23/24
Find the following recently updated Point-of-Care Quick Reference on Pediatric Care Online (PCO). Visit PCO to see all the updated Quick Reference topics and visit often to see newly updated topics!
- Emotional or Behavioral Problems in Children Younger Than 5 Years
- Hypocalcemia, Hypercalcemia, and Hypercalciuria
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Iron-Deficiency Anemia
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
- Kawasaki Disease
- Klinefelter Syndrome
- Meningoencephalitis
- Metabolic Disorders Beyond the Newborn Period
- Mononucleosis and Epstein-Barr Infections
- Nephrotic Syndrome
- Pediatric Palliative Care
- Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
- Prader-Willi Syndrome
- Preoperative Assessment
- Preparticipation Physical Evaluation
- Preseptal and Orbital Cellulitis
- Rheumatic Fever
- Scoliosis
- Screening for Lead Poisoning
- Self-Injury
- Septic Arthritis
- Sexual Abuse of Children
- Sleep-Related Infant Death
- Spinal Deformities
- Urinary Tract Infections
- Use of Substances
- Vaginal Bleeding
Pediatric Care Online Point-of-Care Quick Reference topics provide succinct, bulleted text in a standardized format to find clinical content fast.
New Webinar! Diagnosing Measles in the Pediatric Setting Posted 4/10/24
In this 10-minute webinar, Dr O’Leary describes the three steps pediatricians should immediately take if they have a patient suspected of having measles: isolate the patient, report to public health, and collect the appropriate specimens. Watch now to learn more about how to quickly diagnose measles and minimize the spread of the virus in your clinic and community.
Diagnosing Measles in the Pediatric Setting
Sean T O’Leary, MD, MPH, FAAP, Chair, AAP Committee on Infectious Diseases
Find this webinar, as well as the Red Book Webinar "Identifying Measles in the Pediatric Setting,” on the RBO Webinars page.
March 2024
New and Updated Quick Reference Topics! Posted 3/29/24
The following new and updated Point-of-Care Quick Reference topics were recently posted on Pediatric Care Online (PCO). Visit PCO to see all the updated Quick Reference topics and visit often to see newly updated topics!
- Acute Flaccid Myelitis—NEW!
- Adjustment Disorder
- Anemia and Pallor
- Animal Bites
- Asthma
- Ataxia
- Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder—NEW!
- Back Pain
- Bacterial Skin Infections
- Cardiac Arrhythmias
- Chest Pain
- Coagulation Disorders
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Foreign Bodies of the Ear, Nose, Airway, and Esophagus
- Mosquito-borne Diseases—NEW!
- Medical Child Abuse (Formerly Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy)
- Nephritis
- Pectus Excavatum and Pectus Carinatum
- Pierre-Robin Sequence
- Pneumothorax and Pneumomediastinum
- Renal Tubular Acidosis
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
- Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Sinusitis
- Spina Bifida
- Stomatitis
- Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy
- Turner Syndrome and Noonan Syndrome
- Verrucae (Warts)
Pediatric Care Online Point-of-Care Quick Reference topics provide succinct, bulleted text in a standardized format to find clinical content fast.
New Webinar! Identifying Measles in the Pediatric Setting Posted 3/22/24
Most pediatricians have never seen a case of measles. Given the increase in global and domestic measles cases and outbreaks, healthcare providers should familiarize themselves with the clinical features of measles in order to quickly identify it and minimize the spread of the virus. In this 5-minute webinar Dr O’Leary outlines the clinical features of measles, discusses the incubation and infection periods for measles and explains how pediatricians can assess the risk of measles in someone presenting to their office with symptoms.
Identifying Measles in the Pediatric Setting
Sean T O’Leary, MD, MPH, FAAP, Chair, AAP Committee on Infectious Diseases
Find this webinar and additional related resources on the RBO Webinars page.
CDC: Increase in Global and Domestic Measles Cases and Outbreaks Posted 3/19/24
On March 18, 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to inform clinicians and public health officials of an increase in global and U.S. measles cases and to provide guidance on measles prevention for all international travelers aged ≥6 months and all children aged ≥12 months who do not plan to travel internationally. Measles (rubeola) is highly contagious; one person infected with measles can infect 9 out of 10 unvaccinated individuals with whom they come in close contact. From January 1 to March 14, 2024, CDC has been notified of 58 confirmed U.S. cases of measles across 17 jurisdictions, including seven outbreaks in seven jurisdictions compared to 58 total cases and four outbreaks reported the entire year in 2023. Among the 58 cases reported in 2024, 54 (93%) were linked to international travel. Most cases reported in 2024 have been among children aged 12 months and older who had not received measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. Many countries, including travel destinations such as Austria, the Philippines, Romania, and the United Kingdom, are experiencing measles outbreaks. To prevent measles infection and reduce the risk of community transmission from importation, all U.S. residents traveling internationally, regardless of destination, should be current on their MMR vaccinations. Healthcare providers should ensure children are current on routine immunizations, including MMR. Given currently high population immunity against measles in most U.S. communities, the risk of widescale spread is low. However, pockets of low coverage leave some communities at higher risk for outbreaks.
AAP Recommending Flu Vaccination for Everyone 6 Months and Older with Updated Trivalent Vaccines in 2024-’25 Season Posted 3/11/24
Melissa Jenco, News Content Editor
The AAP is not expressing a preference for any of next season’s flu vaccine products, all of which will be trivalent.
The AAP’s 2024-’25 season recommendations released today continue to call for everyone 6 months and older to get vaccinated. Any licensed vaccine appropriate for age and health status can be used.
“We know that influenza vaccine offers substantial health benefits to children, including protection against severe and life-threatening illness,” said Kristina A. Bryant, M.D., FAAP, a member of the AAP Committee on Infectious Diseases.
For children and adolescents, vaccines have been about 59% to 67% effective in preventing outpatient medical visits this season, according to interim estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). They are about 52% to 61% effective in preventing hospitalization.
While only quadrivalent flu vaccines are available this season, the Food and Drug Administration’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee on Tuesday supported removing the influenza B Yamagata component for the 2024-’25 season. The strain has not circulated since March 2020. Manufacturers confirmed they would be able to have trivalent vaccines ready for next season.
The trivalent vaccines will have an updated influenza A (H3N2) component. The influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 and influenza B Victoria lineage components will remain the same. The recommendations are in line with the World Health Organization.
The AAP will publish its annual influenza policy statement in Pediatrics later this year but released recommendations now so pediatricians can pre-book vaccines. The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices typically votes on flu vaccine recommendations in June.
“As we plan for next year, I think we need to be ready to implement strategies to reverse a concerning trend in immunization rates and immunize more kids next year than we did this year,” said Dr. Bryant, healthcare epidemiologist at Norton Children’s Hospital in Louisville, Ky.
About 51% of children had been vaccinated as of Feb. 17, lower than at this time during the last four seasons, according to CDC data.
Dr. Bryant highlighted disparities by location and race. About 37% of children in rural areas have been vaccinated compared to 50% in suburban areas and 56% in urban areas, CDC data show. About 45% of Black children, 49% of white children and 55% of Hispanic children have been vaccinated.
Vaccine hesitancy stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic may be playing a role in the low rates, while some families may have difficulty accessing the vaccines.
“There are still barriers to accessing influenza vaccine for many children,” Dr. Bryant said. “We need to understand what those barriers are so we can eliminate them.”
She reminded clinicians that children can receive flu vaccines on the same day as other immunizations, including COVID vaccines and the respiratory syncytial virus immunization nirsevimab.
Flu levels were elevated nationally as of Feb. 24, and influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 has been the predominant virus circulating this season.
The CDC estimates at least 26 million people have gotten sick, 290,000 have been hospitalized and 18,000 have died this season. At least 93 pediatric deaths have been reported. Typically, most of the children who die from flu are unvaccinated.
“We still might have a knowledge gap with some parents who don’t recognize influenza can be a serious life-threatening illness even for healthy children,” Dr. Bryant said.
Resources
- AAP tips on pre-booking flu vaccines
- AAP policy Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza in Children, 2023-2024
- AAP technical report Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza in Children, 2023-2024
- AAP clinical report Strategies for Improving Vaccine Communication and Uptake
- Information on flu from the CDC
- AAP flu toolkit
- Information for parents on flu vaccine from HealthyChildren.org
- Information on flu from the AAP Red Book
This article was originally published March 7, 2024, in AAP News.
February 2024
New AAP Clinical Report—Strategies for Improving Vaccine Communication and Uptake Posted 2/22/24
The new AAP clinical report "Strategies for Improving Vaccine Communication and Uptake" offers guidance for pediatricians and others who care for children on the best ways to address vaccine concerns and increase immunization rates. This report includes information about the scope and impact of the problem, the facts surrounding common vaccination concerns, and the latest evidence regarding effective communication techniques for the vaccine conversation.
Also see:
- AAP News article: AAP report offers strategies to counter vaccine hesitancy
- News Release: American Academy of Pediatrics Offers Strategies to Improve Communication on Vaccine
New PCO Editorial Board Opportunity—Associate Editor, Mental Health Posted 2/5/24
Launched in 2008, Pediatric Care Online (PCO) was created in response to a need for an American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) point-of-care resource designed to meet the everyday clinical reference needs of primary care pediatricians and residents. To enhance and expand the process for updating PCO content on a continual basis, the AAP set up a dedicated physician editorial board. There is currently one open position for which applications are being accepted (click the position title below to see detailed information).
Associate Editor, Mental Health
Oversees related content for PCO, reviews medical content, supervises routine review of content by Medical Reviewers, and contributes to the ongoing development of AAP Point-of-Care Solutions. Includes honoraria.
If interested in applying for this position, please submit your CV and complete the PCO Editorial Board Application at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PCOAEMH by Thursday, February 29, 2024.
In alignment with the AAP Equity Agenda, we are committed to celebrating the work of members from groups underrepresented in medicine. We encourage applications from diverse candidates in terms of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, subspecialty, practice location, and/or national origin.
January 2024
Pediatric Care Online—A Look Back at 2023 Posted 1/24/24
Pediatric Care Online had a busy year adding new content, features, and updates, including to Red Book Online and Pediatric Patient Education. Here are just a few examples of what was new for 2023.
Updated Point-of-Care Quick Reference Topics
The Point-of-Care Quick Reference continues to provide succinct, bulleted text in a standardized format to find clinical content fast. Last year new topics were created, many topics were updated, and many more new and updated topics are yet to come. Some of these topics include:
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PCO Webinars
PCO Webinars are presented by distinguished experts on important and timely topics in pediatrics. Last year we were fortunate to offer the following:
- What Makes Kids Tic: Tourette Syndrome, Tic Disorders & Tik Tok Tics
Jessica Goldstein, MD, FAAP and Jaclyn Martindale, DO define the term "tics" and discuss clinical criteria, pathophysiology, and comorbidities of tic disorders, as well as diagnostic work-up and management of a child presenting with tics. - Hope on the Horizon: Emerging Therapies for SMA and DMD
Ashutosh Kumar, MBBS, FAAP discusses when to suspect and how to make the diagnosis of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), as well as the natural history and treatment status of both. - Let’s Increase Vaccination Rates in Children: Updates to the 2023 Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule
Henry (Hank) Bernstein, DO, MHCM, FAAP reviews the latest updates to the 2023 Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule, discusses the update to COVD-19 vaccines for children, and highlights concern for vaccine hesitancy.
Be on the lookout for an upcoming webinar on the 2024 child and adolescent immunization schedule and a webinar on healthy sleep habits for children and adolescents!
Red Book Online 20th Anniversary
Red Book was one of the earliest medical books to have a distinct online site, just a few years after medical journals began to have an online presence. Red Book Online is the home to the latest infectious disease content, including important information about outbreaks and vaccines. Read more about the anniversary of Red Book Online in the AAP News article Red Book Online marks 20 years as must-have pediatric infectious diseases resource.
"RBO deftly shares the tradition of excellence as the 'latest and greatest' definitive source for child health professionals to get all the answers they need at point-of-care to treat, manage and prevent infectious diseases in children, using the best available evidence gathered by the AAP."
David W. Kimberlin, MD, FAAP, Red Book Editor
New Feature—Diagnosis Detective
Diagnosis Detective is an exciting new feature on Red Book Online that challenges you to solve a new infectious disease case every month. Developed by a dedicated subteam of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Committee on Infectious Diseases, this new feature offers the following benefits:
- Monthly Diagnostic Challenge: Return monthly to test your diagnostic skills with new infectious disease content and images.
- Interactive Quiz: Actively participate and learn by solving real-world infectious disease cases.
- Teaching/Learning: Use the valuable infectious disease educational content to learn, as well as reference as needed.
- Social Sharing: Share your success on social media platforms—Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter/X.
- Archived Cases: Challenge yourself with previous cases, which will be archived, for continued learning or if you missed a previous month’s case.
New Feature—Communicating Visually in Pediatrics
This new digital version of “Communicating Visually in Pediatrics” is available on Pediatric Patient Education!
This visual communication aid is designed to help pediatricians and others who work in medical settings with children who are nonverbal with nearly 400 easy to understand, full color images depicting common medical procedures, from bandaging to vaccine administration as well as important patient-provider communication, including describing symptoms or post-visit instructions. Each image is captioned in both English and Spanish for maximum in-office utility. Interactive use of this resource will help improve communication, reduce fear and anxiety, and boost patients’ understanding and participation in the medical visit.
Find this new resource on the homepage of Pediatric Patient Education or go to it directly at https://publications.aap.org/patiented/resources/23921.
New and Updated Handouts
Be sure to check out the following new and updated handouts in the following two collections on Pediatric Patient Education!
Get the AAP's most-trusted pediatric patient education library directly into your clinical workflow
AAP Pediatric Patient Education SMART on FHIR app for Epic places the most-trusted pediatric patient education content directly into your clinical workflow. Launched from a button within your Epic electronic health record (EHR) system, your clinical team can assign handouts based on a patient's problem list, or search for AAP education resources based on the patient’s needs. Handouts are easily attached to the patient’s after-visit summary, as well as added to the patient’s MyChart account for anytime digital access.
Learn more at Pediatric Patient Education.
December 2023
FDA: At Least 69 Reports of Adverse Effects Potentially Linked to Contaminated Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches
Steve Schering, Staff Writer
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reporting at least 69 complaints of adverse events that are potentially linked to recalled cinnamon applesauce pouches shown to contain elevated levels of lead. All reported cases involve children under 6 years of age.
Additionally, testing during an inspection of a facility in Ecuador showed lead levels in cinnamon as high as 2,000 times one recommended maximum limit, FDA officials said this week.
As of Dec. 15, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has received reports of 67 confirmed cases, 122 probable cases and 16 suspected cases of lead toxicity from 33 different states. CDC and FDA have different data sources, so the counts reported by each agency will not directly correspond.
FDA Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods Jim Jones told Politico the lead contamination may have been an “intentional act,” and added the agency’s investigation into the contamination continues.
In November, the FDA announced recalls of several cinnamon applesauce fruit pouches that were manufactured in Ecuador and sold under WanaBana, Weis and Schnucks brands. The agency is recommending consumers discard the pouches immediately.
Lead exposure has been associated with health, learning and behavior problems, and there is no known safe level.
Earlier this month, the FDA conducted an onsite inspection of the Austrofoods facility in Ecuador, where investigators collected samples of cinnamon Negasmart supplied to Austrofoods. The samples show extremely high levels of lead contamination of 5110 parts per million (ppm) and 2270 ppm. For context, the international standard-setting body, Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex) is considering adopting a maximum level of 2.5 ppm for lead in bark spices, including cinnamon, in 2024.
Protecting children from exposure to lead is particularly important because they are more susceptible to lead toxicity. Most children have no obvious immediate symptoms. Short-term exposure to lead could result in headache, abdominal pain/colic, vomiting and/or amenia. Longer term exposure could result in irritability, lethargy, fatigue, muscle aches or muscle-prickling/burning, constipation, difficulty concentrating/muscular weakness, tremor or weight loss.
If you suspect a child may have been exposed to lead, contact your health care provider immediately.
The CDC recommends clinicians do the following:
- Counsel patients and families not to eat the recalled cinnamon-containing apple purée or applesauce products.
- Educate patients and families about the health effects of lead exposure in children and the importance of seeking medical care. Most children have no obvious symptoms, but appropriate screening can detect lead in blood.
- Test children who have consumed a recalled applesauce pouch for lead exposure. Refer to CDC guidance on testing children for lead exposure and AAP clinical guidance for managing lead exposure in children. Recommendations for obtaining BLLs may be available from your local health department or regional Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit.
- Consider lead exposure in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with clinical findings associated with lead poisoning.
Resources
- CDC testing recommendations for lead
- ‘Should I worry about lead in my child’s cinnamon applesauce pouches?’ from HealthyChildren.org
- Information from the CDC on health effects of lead exposure
- AAP policy Prevention of Childhood Lead Toxicity
This article was originally published December 19, 2023, in AAP News.
November 2023
New Updated Point-of-Care Quick Reference Topics Posted 11/7/23
The following Point-of-Care Quick Reference topics were recently updated on Pediatric Care Online (PCO). Visit PCO to see all the updated Quick Reference topics and visit often to see newly updated topics!
- Acne
- Bronchiolitis
- Encopresis
- Gluten-Sensitive Enteropathy (Celiac Sprue)
- Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypospadias, Epispadias, and Cryptorchism
- Hypothyroidism
- Immunizations
- Labial Adhesions
- Vaccine Hesitancy
Pediatric Care online Point-of-Care Quick Reference topics provide succinct, bulleted text in a standardized format to find clinical content fast.
October 2023
Seasonal Flu Resources from the CDC Posted 10/24/23
Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Influenza (Flu) Communication Resource Center for everything you need to help communicate the importance of influenza vaccination. Included is the new digital campaign “Wild to Mild” which shows how flu vaccination can help “tame” flu symptoms (from “wild” to “mild”) in people who get vaccinated but still get sick.
Now Updated! Point-of-Care Quick Reference Topics
Pediatric Care Online is pleased to announce the following updated Point-of-Care Quick Reference topics. Visit Pediatric Care Online to see all the updated Quick Reference topics and visit often to see newly updated topics!
- Anuria and Oliguria
- Bulimia Nervosa
- Cystic and Solid Masses of the Face and Neck
- Drug Interactions and Adverse Effects
- Gastrointestinal Allergy
- Hydrocephalus
- Phimosis
Pediatric Care online Point-of-Care Quick Reference topics provide succinct, bulleted text in a standardized format to find clinical content fast.
August 2023
Just Released—AAP Guidance for 2023-'24 Influenza Season Posted 8/31/23
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) early released the updated influenza policy statement and technical report for the 2023-2024 season, which provide recommendations on the prevention and treatment of influenza in children and adolescents. The AAP continues to recommend annual influenza vaccination of all children without medical contraindications starting at 6 months of age. Both the policy statement and the technical report will be published in the October 2023 issue of Pediatrics.
- Policy Statement: Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza in Children, 2023–2024
- Technical Report: Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza in Children, 2023–2024
Stay updated this coming influenza season by visiting the frequently updated Red Book Online Influenza News and Resources page—a comprehensive list of resources on influenza prevention and treatment in children and adolescents compiled by the AAP Committee on Infectious Diseases.
COCA Call: AAP and CDC 2023-2024 Recommendations for Influenza Prevention and Treatment Posted 8/24/23
Join the AAP and the CDC for a Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) Call to learn about the 2023-2024 recommendations for influenza prevention and treatment in children and adolescents. Speakers, Dr Kris Bryant (AAP) and Dr Fatimah Dawood (CDC) will also provide an overview of the 2022-2023 season, strategies to increase immunization rates, highlight important health disparities, and best practices for vaccine coadministration. The COCA Call will be held on August 31st from 2 pm to 3 pm ET. Save the date and join here!
New Recommendations for the Use of Nirsevimab for RSV Posted 8/17/23
Red Book Online (RBO) was just updated to include new guidance on the use of Nirsevimab, a long-acting monoclonal antibody product intended for use in newborns and infants, to protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease.
Nirsevimab was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration last month and recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention early this month for:
- All infants younger than 8 months born during or entering their first RSV season, including those recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to receive palivizumab;
- Infants and children aged 8 through 19 months who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease and entering their second RSV season, including those recommended by the AAP to receive palivizumab.
See these new recommendations on RBO, as well as additional guidance regarding palivizumab versus nirsevimab administration for high-risk infants.
Use these Tools from the AAP to Plan Your Flu Vaccine Clinic Posted 8/9/23
The flu season is right around the corner, begin planning for your vaccine clinic. A flu vaccine clinic is a great way to efficiently vaccinate your patient population and increase vaccination rates. The How to Set Up a Flu Clinic toolkit from the AAP includes resources for pediatric practices to plan and implement an in-office vaccination clinic. This flu clinic toolkit links to the communication toolkit with shareable social media graphics, editable posters, a one-pager for families, videos on influenza vaccination, as well as a Healthy Children article for families in multiple languages. Use these tools to promote your clinic and to remind parents about the importance of getting vaccinated.
CDC Approves Monoclonal Antibody to Protect Infants from RSV Posted 8/4/23
A new monoclonal antibody to protect infants and high-risk toddlers from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is expected to be available this fall, following Thursday’s approval by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) director.
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted 10–0 Thursday to recommend nirsevimab for infants younger than 8 months born during or entering their first RSV season and certain high-risk children ages 8–19 months entering their second season.
The AAP will review ACIP’s guidance and provide its own additional guidance in the near future.
See the full article in AAP News.
July 2023
New PCO Editorial Board Opportunities Posted 7/6/23
Launched in 2008, Pediatric Care Online (PCO) was created in response to a need for an American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) point-of-care resource designed to meet the everyday clinical reference needs of primary care pediatricians and residents. To enhance and expand the process for updating PCO content on a continual basis, the AAP set up a dedicated physician editorial board. There are currently two open positions for which applications are being accepted (please click the position title to see detailed information about each).
- Deputy Editor
Serves as an Associate Editor and assists the Editor in Chief with overseeing the PCO Editorial Board Associate Editors and the overall editorial content of PCO. Includes honoraria. - Editorial Fellow
Assists Associate Editors in overseeing editorial content of PCO. This position is designed to enable residents, fellows, and early career physicians to experience the editorial workings of digital content.
If interested in applying for one of these open positions, please complete the Pediatric Care Online Editorial Board Application by Monday, July 31, 2023.
In alignment with the AAP Equity Agenda, we are committed to celebrating the work of members from groups underrepresented in medicine. We encourage applications from diverse candidates in terms of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, subspecialty, practice location, and/or national origin.
June 2023
Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Red Book Online Posted 6/12/23
Pediatric Care Online (PCO)—the point-of-care resource designed to meet the every day clinical reference needs of health care professionals—offers users many clinical resources. Pediatric Care Online also provides valuable infectious disease resources with access to Red Book Online (RBO), which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, parent and patient resources on Pediatric Patient Education, and a wealth of practical resources and tools in the four AAP Toolkits: ADHD, Autism, Bright Futures, and Mental Health.
Red Book Online
Red Book Online is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Red Book was one of the earliest medical books to have a distinct online site, just a few years after medical journals began to have an online presence. Red Book Online is the home to the latest infectious disease content, including important information about outbreaks and vaccines. Read more about RBO’s anniversary in the AAP News article Red Book Online marks 20 years as must-have pediatric infectious diseases resource.
"RBO deftly shares the tradition of excellence as the 'latest and greatest' definitive source for child health professionals to get all the answers they need at point-of-care to treat, manage and prevent infectious diseases in children, using the best available evidence gathered by the AAP." David W. Kimberlin, MD, FAAP, Red Book Editor
Pediatric Patient Education
As a subscriber to PCO, you have full access to Pediatric Patient Education—your trusted source when patients and parents are looking for expert advice for and about kids. Find the following revised handouts:
- Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder handouts (English and Spanish)
- Autism spectrum disorder handouts (English and Spanish)
- Breastfeeding handouts (English)
- Vaccine Information Statements: Hepatitis B Vaccine and Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (English)
See all the new and revised handouts on the Pediatric Patient Education Updates page.
Pediatric Care Online
Visit the Pediatric Care Online Webinars page to view the following three 2023 presentations from distinguished experts on important and timely topics in pediatrics.
- Let’s Increase Vaccination Rates in Children: Updates to the 2023 Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule
Henry (Hank) Bernstein, DO, MHCM, FAAP reviews the latest updates to the 2023 Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule, discusses the update to COVD-19 vaccines for children, and highlights concern for vaccine hesitancy. - What Makes Kids Tic: Tourette Syndrome, Tic Disorders & Tik Tok Tics
Jessica Goldstein, MD, FAAP and Jaclyn Martindale, DO define the term "tics" and discuss clinical criteria, pathophysiology, and comorbidities of tic disorders, as well as diagnostic work-up and management of a child presenting with tics. - Hope on the Horizon: Emerging Therapies for SMA and DMD
Ashutosh Kumar, MBBS, FAAP discusses when to suspect and how to make the diagnosis of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), as well as the natural history and treatment status of both.
May 2023
Just Updated! Point-of-Care Quick Reference Topics Posted 5/11/23
Pediatric Care Online is pleased to announce the following updated Point-of-Care Quick Reference topics. Visit Pediatric Care Online to see all the updated Quick Reference topics and visit often to see newly updated topics!
- Common Cold
- Contact Dermatitis
- Cough
- Giardiasis
- Insect Bites and Infestations
- Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Neural Tube Defects
- Neurocutaneous Syndromes
- Osteomyelitis
- Pharyngitis and Tonsillitis
- Pneumonia
- Postoperative Care
- Seizure Disorders
- Sexually Transmitted Infections
Pediatric Care online Point-of-Care Quick Reference topics provide succinct, bulleted text in a standardized format to find clinical content fast.
April 2023
New Webinar—Updates to the 2023 Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule Posted 4/11/23
The following new PCO Webinar, presented by Henry (Hank) Bernstein, DO, MHCM, FAAP, is now available to view on the Webinars page of Pediatric Care Online (PCO) and Red Book Online.
Let’s Increase Vaccination Rates in Children: Updates to the 2023 Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule
In this new webinar, Dr. Bernstein reviews the latest updates to the 2023 Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule, discusses the update to COVD-19 vaccines for children, and highlights concern for vaccine hesitancy. View webinar
Resources
- Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule: United States, 2023 (AAP Policy Statement)
- 2023 Immunization Schedules
- Red Book Online Immunization Strategies and Resources
Henry (Hank) Bernstein, DO, MHCM, FAAP is a Professor of Pediatrics at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell in New York. He presently is a member of the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee of the FDA, an ex-officio member of the AAP Committee on Infectious Diseases, and an Associate Editor of Red Book Online. After completing his four-year term as a member of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the CDC, he now serves as a consultant to the ACIP’s COVID-19, Influenza, and Immunization Schedules Workgroups.
March 2023
New PCO Webinar Now Available Posted 3/24/23
The following new PCO Webinar, presented by Jessica Goldstein, MD, FAAP and Jaclyn Martindale, DO, is available to view on Pediatric Care Online (PCO).
What Makes Kids Tic: Tourette Syndrome, Tic Disorders & Tik Tok Tics
In this webinar, Dr. Goldstein and Dr. Martindale define the term "tics" and discuss clinical criteria, pathophysiology, and comorbidities of tic disorders, as well as diagnostic work-up and management of a child presenting with tics. View webinar
Jessica Goldstein, MD, FAAP is an Associate Professor of Neurology in the Division of Pediatric Neurology, and Associate Program Director of Neurology Residency at the University of Minnesota Medical School.
Jaclyn Martindale, DO is an Assistant Professor of Pediatric Neurology, Associate Program Director of Child Neurology Residency, and Director of the Tourette Syndrome Specialty Clinic at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.
New Update to PCO Interactive Periodicity Schedule Posted 3/21/23
The Pediatric Care Online (PCO) Interactive Periodicity Schedule was updated to reflect changes that were recently made to the Bright Futures/American Academy of Pediatrics 2023 Recommendations for Preventive Pediatric Health Care, also known as the "Periodicity Schedule"—a schedule of screenings and assessments recommended at each well-child visit from birth to age 21. The update includes:
HIV
The HIV screening recommendation has been updated to extend the upper age limit from 18 to 21 years (to account for the range in which the screening can take place) to align with recommendations of the US Preventive Services Task Force and AAP policy (Adolescents and Young Adults: The Pediatrician’s Role in HIV Testing and Pre- and Postexposure HIV Prophylaxis).
Footnote 30 has been updated to read as follows: “Screen adolescents for HIV at least once between the ages of 15 and 21, making every effort to preserve confidentiality of the adolescent, as per ‘Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection: Screening’; after initial screening, youth at increased risk of HIV infection should be retested annually or more frequently, as per ‘Adolescents and Young Adults: The Pediatrician’s Role in HIV Testing and Pre- and Postexposure HIV Prophylaxis’.”
Please refer to the PCO Interactivity Periodicity Schedule and the PDF to see all the updates. Also see the Bright Futures Tool and Resource Kit, 2nd Edition.
February 2023
New PCO Webinar Posted 2/10/23
The following PCO Webinar, presented by Ashutosh Kumar, MBBS, FAAP, is available to view on Pediatric Care Online (PCO).
Hope on the Horizon: Emerging Therapies for SMA and DMD
In this 30-minute webinar, Dr. Kumar discusses when to suspect and how to make the diagnosis of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), as well as the natural history and treatment status of both. View webinar
Ashutosh Kumar, MBBS, FAAP is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Neurology, Associate Medical Director at MDA Care Center, and Director of the Pediatric Neuromuscular Program at Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center and Penn State College of Medicine.
Updated Point-of-Care Quick Reference Topics Posted 2/10/23
Pediatric Care Online is pleased to announce the following updated Point-of-Care Quick Reference topics. Visit Pediatric Care Online to see all the updated Quick Reference topics and visit often to see newly updated topics!
- Anaphylaxis
- Brief Resolved Unexplained Event (BRUE)
- Dyspnea
- Facial Dysmorphism
- Joint Pain
- Limp
- Lyme Disease
- Meningococcemia
- Papulosquamous Disease
- Sudden Unexplained Infant Death
Originating from the AAP Textbook of Pediatric Care as the foundation, Point-of-Care Quick Reference topics provide succinct, bulleted text in a standardized format to find clinical content fast.
November 2022
PCO Webinars, Red Book Updates, and Patient Handouts Posted 11/30/22
Pediatric Care Online (PCO)—the point-of-care resource designed to meet the every day clinical reference needs of health care professionals—offers users many clinical resources. In addition, PCO also provides valuable infectious disease resources with access to Red Book Online, parent and patient resources on Pediatric Patient Education, and a wealth of practical resources and tools in the four AAP Toolkits: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Bright Futures, and Mental Health.
PCO Webinars
Visit the PCO Webinars page to view the following 2022 presentations from distinguished experts on important and timely topics in pediatrics.
- Management of Hyperbilirubinemia in the Newborn Infant ≥35 weeks’ Gestation: Overview of the 2022 Revised Guideline
Alex Kemper, MD, MPH, MS, FAAP and Thomas Newman, MD, MPH, FAAP discuss the new AAP Clinical Practice Guideline Revision: Management of Hyperbilirubinemia in the Newborn Infant 35 or More Weeks of Gestation including monitoring all newborn infants for jaundice and applying appropriate treatments to prevent acute bilirubin encephalopathy and kernicterus - Bridging the Gap: Practical Mental Health Interventions for Pediatric Clinicians
Rebecca Baum, MD, FAAP, Cody Hostutler, PhD, and Jeff Shahidullah, PhD discuss practical strategies to help pediatricians implement mental health care for their child and adolescent patients. - Seizure Rescue Medications
Rachel Gottlieb-Smith, MD, MHPE, FAAP describes when to prescribe and administer outpatient seizure rescue medications and compares three routes of administration: rectal, intranasal, and enteral. - Now More Than Ever: Updates to the 2022 Children and Adolescent Immunization Schedule
Henry Bernstein, DO, MHCM, FAAP discusses the Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule: United States, 2022, including review of the schedule and rationale for the latest updates to it.
Coming soon – Hope on the Horizon: Emerging Therapies for Spinal Muscular Atrophy and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy presented by Ashutosh Kumar, MD, FAAP
Red Book Updates
The American Academy of Pediatrics approved a process to update Red Book chapters, on Red Book Online, between publication years to help pediatric health care professionals provide the best possible care for children. Since publication of the 2021 Red Book, four chapters were recently updated:
- Dengue. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended Dengvaxia vaccine for children ages 9 through 16 years who have evidence of a previous dengue infection and live where dengue is endemic.
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection. The National Institutes of Health updated its HIV perinatal guidelines to add neviripine dosing for infants 32-34 weeks’ gestational age.
- Rabies. ACIP liberalized preexposure prophylaxis recommendations from three doses to a two-dose schedule at 0 and 7 days. People who interact with animals that could be rabid and selected travelers can have either a one-time antibody titer check during years 1 to 3 after completion of the two-dose primary vaccine series (with a booster dose given if the antibody titer is <0.5 IU/mL) or a one-time preemptive booster dose administered no sooner than day 21 and no later than three years after completion of the two-dose primary vaccine series.
- Tuberculosis. The World Health Organization updated guidance on the management of tuberculosis in children and adolescents with nonsevere tuberculosis disease to provide a four-month treatment option. It consists of rifampin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide and ethambutol daily for the first two months, followed by isoniazid and rifampin daily for two months.
Patient Handouts
As a subscriber to PCO, you have full access to Pediatric Patient Education—your trusted source when patients and parents are looking for expert advice for and about kids. Find the following updated handouts in English and Spanish:
- Evento breve inexplicable resuelto: lo que los padres y cuidadores deben saber
- Brief Resolved Unexplained Event: What Parents and Caregivers Need to Know
- Resilience: Helping Your Children Rise Above the Challenges of Life
- Stress-Management Plan
- Circumcision: What You Need to Know
- La pediculosis: lo que debe saber
- Cómo preparar a su hijo para recibir la vacuna y los refuerzos contra el COVID-19
- Controles de adolescentes: un mensaje de tu pediatra
- Logra un buen estado físico y mantente saludable
- COVID: How to Prepare for Your Child’s COVID Vaccination
View the Pediatric Care Online Video Tour to learn more about all the resources available to you as a PCO user!
October
New Webinar to View on PCO! Posted 10/14/22
The following PCO Webinar, presented by Alex Kemper, MD, MPH, MS, FAAP and Thomas Newman, MD, MPH, FAAP is available to view on Pediatric Care Online (PCO).
Management of Hyperbilirubinemia in the Newborn Infant ≥35 weeks’ Gestation: Overview of the 2022 Revised Guideline
In this PCO Webinar Dr. Kemper and Dr. Newman discuss the new AAP Clinical Practice Guideline Revision: Management of Hyperbilirubinemia in the Newborn Infant 35 or More Weeks of Gestation, including monitoring all newborn infants for jaundice and applying appropriate treatments to prevent acute bilirubin encephalopathy and kernicterus, among other issues. At the conclusion of the session, viewers should be able to:
- Understand kernicterus and its risk factors.
- Describe strategies to decrease the risk of hazardous hyperbilirubinemia.
- Develop plans to implement the new AAP hyperbilirubinemia guideline.
To view the webinar, click here or go to the PCO Webinars page at https://publications.aap.org/pediatriccare/resources/15681.
September
Call For Images Submissions—Newborn Findings Posted 9/1/22
To enhance the educational experience found in upcoming American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) publications and resources, AAP Publications is requesting submissions of high-quality images depicting newborn findings, with an emphasis on diverse skin tones. This is an opportunity to share your images with the pediatric community and be recognized for your contributions!
Please use this submission form to enter your images for consideration. Do NOT reply to this email. Submissions preferred by 10/1/2022.
Please submit only images that belong to you. You may submit up to 10 images at a time; if you would like to submit more than 10 images, you can submit multiple forms. To submit a collection or series of images, please upload each image individually as indicated in the form and leave a note in the Image Description boxes stating that the images belong to a collection.
All images will be reviewed, although not all images will be selected for publication. You will be notified by AAP staff regarding your submission in the case of acceptance. The statement "Image appears courtesy of..." will accompany your name in any publication(s) for which your image is used.
Thank you for your contributions! They are invaluable for enhancing medical education and pediatric care.
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August 2022
Newly Updated Point-of-Care Quick Reference Topics Posted 8/30/22
Pediatric Care Online is pleased to announce the following updated Point-of-Care Quick Reference topics. Visit often to see all the newly updated topics.
- Amenorrhea
- Contagious Exanthematous Diseases
- Psoriasis
- Pyloric Stenosis
- Red Eye/Pink Eye
- Self-Stimulating Behaviors
- Speech and Language Concerns
- Tics
Using the AAP Textbook of Pediatric Care as the foundation, the Point-of-Care Quick Reference provides succinct, bulleted text in a standardized format to find clinical content fast.
Webinar: Meet the Red Book Committee, Influenza Update – September 7 Posted 8/23/22
The AAP Red Book committee is hosting a free 1-hour webinar on the AAP and CDC recommendations on the prevention and treatment of influenza in children and adolescents. Panelists will speak on current issues related to the upcoming 2022-23 influenza season during the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine hesitancy, disparities in vaccination rates, and strategies to improve catch-up on childhood vaccination rates in practice settings. The webinar will be held on September 7 from 7:00 to 8:00 pm CT. Register now!
July 2022
Pediatric Care Online Resources and More! Posted 7/28/22
Pediatric Care Online—the point-of-care resource designed to meet the every day clinical reference needs of health care professionals—offers users many clinical resources. In addition, PCO also provides valuable infectious disease resources with access to Red Book Online, parent and patient resources on Pediatric Patient Education, and a wealth of practical resources and tools in the four AAP Toolkits: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Bright Futures, and Mental Health.
Pediatric Care Online
The Interactive Periodicity Schedule now reflects changes that were recently made to the Bright Futures/American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Recommendations for Preventive Pediatric Health Care, also known as the "Periodicity Schedule"—a schedule of screenings and assessments recommended at each well-child visit from infancy through adolescence. In addition to modified topic titles and revised footnotes, this update includes two new topics that were added as a risk assessment:
- Hepatitis B Virus Infection for age visits newborn through 21 years.
- Cardiac Arrest/Death for age visits 11 through 21 years.
Refer to the Interactivity Periodicity Schedule to see all the updates, as well as a PDF of the updated Periodicity Schedule, which includes a detailed summary of the changes.
Red Book Online
The three Vaccine Status Tables contain current information about recently submitted, licensed, and recommended vaccines and biologics, including status of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) licensure process and related AAP and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations. Information in the Vaccine Status Tables was recently updated to include the following:
Table 1. Status of Recently Submitted, Licensed, and Recommended Vaccines & Biologics
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella: New entry
- PCV15
- New AAP/CDC recommendations
- Updated FDA age indication and licensure date
Table 2. Status of Recently Submitted, Licensed, and Recommended Influenza Vaccines
- IIV4 (Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent) and IIV4 (Fluad Quadrivalent): Updated comments regarding age preference
- RIV4 (Flublock Quadrivalent): New vaccine
Table 3. Sars-CoV-2 Vaccines
- mRNA162b2
- Updated storage requirements
- New guidance for ages 6 months–4 years
- New Biologics License Application (BLA) status for ages 12–15 years
- mRNA-1273: New guidance for ages 12–17 years, 6–11 years, and 6 months–5 years
- Novavax: Updated FDA status
Pediatric Patient Education
New and revised content is continually added to the comprehensive online library of patient handouts. The following revised and new content was recently added to PPE:
- Airbags: Important Safety Information
- Baby Walkers: Important Safety Information
- Healthy Communication With Your Child
- Hepatitis C Virus: What You Need to Know
- Lead Is a Poison: What You Need to Know | El plomo es una sustancia tóxica: Lo que debe saber
- Single Parenting
- Supporting Children in Times of Crisis
- Safe Sleep and Your Baby: How Parents Can Reduce the Risk of SIDS and Suffocation | Sueño seguro y su bebé: Cómo pueden los padres reducir el riesgo de SMSL y asfixia
- Your Baby's First Steps
AAP Toolkits
The Bright Futures Toolkit was recently updated to reflect the updated AAP Periodicity Schedule—additional recommended screenings were added to the Bright Futures Toolkit: Links to Commonly Used Screening Instruments and Tools page, which was also refreshed with a new design to match the Interactive Periodicity Schedule on PCO.
See all four AAP Toolkits at https://publications.aap.org/toolkits.
View the newly updated Pediatric Care Online Video Tour to learn more about all the resources available to you as a PCO user!
June 2022
New Updates to the PCO Interactive Periodicity Schedule Posted 6/29/22
The Pediatric Care Online (PCO) Interactive Periodicity Schedule was updated to reflect changes that were recently made to the Bright Futures/American Academy of Pediatrics Recommendations for Preventive Pediatric Health Care, also known as the "Periodicity Schedule"—a schedule of screenings and assessments recommended at each well-child visit from infancy through adolescence. Updates include:
- Hepatitis B Virus Infection – This is a new topic that was added as a risk assessment for age visits newborn through 21 years.
- Cardiac Arrest/Death – This is a new topic that was added as a risk assessment for age visits 11 through 21 years.
- Depression – This topic was modified to “Depression and Suicide Risk Screening.”
- Psychosocial/Behavioral Assessment – The topic was modified to “Behavior/Social/Emotional Screening.”
- Fluoride Varnish – The footnote was revised to:
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that primary care clinicians apply fluoride varnish to the primary teeth of all infants and children starting at the age of primary tooth eruption. Once teeth are present, apply fluoride varnish to all children every 3 to 6 months in the primary care or dental office based on caries risk. Indications for fluoride use are noted in “Fluoride Use in Caries Prevention in the Primary Care Setting.” - Fluoride Supplementation – The footnote was revised to:
If primary water source is deficient in fluoride, consider oral fluoride supplementation. See “Fluoride Use in Caries Prevention in the Primary Care Setting.”
Please refer to the PCO Interactivity Periodicity Schedule to see all the updates. A PDF of the updated Periodicity Schedule is also available on PCO and includes a detailed summary of the changes.
May 2022
PCO Webinar—Bridging the Gap: Practical Mental Health Interventions for Pediatric Clinicians Posted 5/16/22
We invite you to join us on Friday, May 27, at 1:00 pm ET when Rebecca Baum, MD, FAAP, Cody Hostutler, PhD, and Jeff Shahidullah, PhD, discuss practical strategies to help pediatricians implement mental health care for their child and adolescent patients. Objectives of this webinar include:
- Name two to three brief communication strategies that improve mental health care.
- Demonstrate two to three brief intervention strategies to improve treatment for common mental health concerns.
- Identify ways to practice these skills in daily practice.
To view the webinar on Friday, May 27, please click here or use the following url: https://event.webcasts.com/viewer/event.jsp?ei=1549639&tp_key=b66b25c3e8
Rebecca Baum, MD, FAAP, is a Clinical Professor of Pediatrics and Chief of the Section of Development, Behavior and Learning in the Department of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. Dr. Baum has led several clinical, educational, research, and quality improvement efforts at the state and national levels focused on improving care for children with behavioral health conditions.
Cody Hostutler, PhD, is a pediatric primary care psychologist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Assistant Professor in Pediatrics at The Ohio State University. His clinical, research and administrative work focuses on supporting primary care teams in managing behavioral health needs through training, consultation, and behavioral health integration.
Jeff Shahidullah, PhD, is a pediatric psychologist embedded within a developmental behavioral pediatrics clinic at the Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas. He is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at The University of Texas at Austin/Dell Medical School. Dr. Shahidullah's expertise pertains to the development and implementation of models of integrated behavioral health care within primary care.
PCO Webinar Now Available—Updates to 2022 Immunization Schedule Posted 5/2/22
The following PCO Webinar, presented by Hank Bernstein, DO, MHCM, FAAP, on April 8, is now available to view on Pediatric Care Online (PCO) and Red Book Online (RBO).
Now More Than Ever: Updates to the 2022 Children and Adolescent Immunization Schedule
In this PCO Webinar Dr. Bernstein discusses the Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule: United States, 2022. Objectives of this webinar include:
- Review the Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule for 2022.
- Share the rationale for the latest updates to the immunization schedules.
- Discuss COVID-19 vaccines in children.
To view the webinar, go to the PCO Webinars or RBO Webinars pages.
Henry (Hank) Bernstein, DO, MHCM, FAAP is a Professor of Pediatrics at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell in New York. He presently is a member of the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) of the FDA, an ex-officio member of the AAP Committee on Infectious Diseases (Red Book Committee), and Associate Editor of Red Book Online. After recently completing his 4-year term as a member of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the CDC, he serves as a consultant to the ACIP’s COVID-19, Influenza, and Immunization Schedules Workgroups.
Translated Parent Handouts Added to Bright Futures Toolkit and Pediatric Patient Education Posted 5/2/22
As a PCO subscriber, you have access to the handouts that were recently translated into 12 new languages and published in the Bright Futures Toolkit and Pediatric Patient Education Handouts by Language. These handouts, for visits up to 2 years of age, are now available in Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Hmong, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Somali, and Vietnamese.
These translations are made possible with the support of members, staff, and businesses who donate to the AAP Friends of Children Fund.
March 2022
PCO Webinar—Now More Than Ever: Updates to the 2022 Children and Adolescent Immunization Schedule Posted 3/25/22
We invite you to join us on Friday, April 8, at 1:00 pm ET when Henry (Hank) Bernstein, DO, MHCM, FAAP discusses the Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule: United States, 2022. Objectives of this webinar include:
- Review the Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule for 2022.
- Share the rationale for the latest updates to the immunization schedules.
- Discuss COVID-19 vaccines in children.
To view the webinar on Friday, April 8, please click here or use the following url: https://event.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1539525&tp_key=35cf7cb778
Henry (Hank) Bernstein, DO, MHCM, FAAP is a Professor of Pediatrics at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell in New York. He presently is a member of the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) of the FDA, an ex-officio member of the AAP’s Committee on Infectious Diseases (Red Book Committee), and Associate Editor of Red Book Online. After recently completing his 4-year term as a member of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the CDC, he serves as a consultant to the ACIP’s COVID-19, Influenza, and Immunization Schedules Workgroups.
Dr. Bernstein taps into his extensive 37-year experience as a general pediatrician in private practice, the National Health Service Corps, and as Chief of General Academic Pediatrics at urban, suburban, and rural children’s hospitals to promote the health and well-being of children, their families, and communities.
His private, community-based primary care (generalist) experiences, in combination with academic leadership responsibilities, have provided him with a value-added, translational science perspective, unique from many others in academia.
This tacit knowledge enables him to fulfill a lifelong passion of communicating, educating, and translating science into clinical settings, educational venues, policymaking, and media interactions to advance the health of children.
Second Infant Death May Be Linked to Contaminated Formula Posted 3/2/22
A second infant death may be linked to contaminated powdered infant formula prompting another lot of Similac formula to be recalled, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Some Similac, Alimentum and EleCare formulas are being recalled after four infants have had Cronobacter sakazakii infections and one had a Salmonella Newport infection after consuming the formula. The Abbott Nutrition powdered infant formulas were produced at the company’s Sturgis, Michigan, facility and distributed nationwide and internationally.
Consumers who have one of these powdered formulas should look for the code printed on the product packaging near the expiration date. They should not use the formula if it meets three criteria:
- the first two digits of the code are 22 through 37; and
- the code on the container contains K8, SH or Z2; and
- the expiration date is 4-1-2022 (APR 2022) or later.
In addition, Similac PM 60/40 with lot code 27032K80 (can) / 27032K800 (case), is being recalled. It was distributed in the U.S. and Israel. Consumers can check if their formula is being recalled by visiting the company’s website and entering the lot code.
For the full article and additional resources, please see AAP News.
February 2022
AAP Pediatric Care Online Call for Authors Posted 2/16/22
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Publishing group is looking for qualified volunteers to serve on the national editorial authoring team for Point-of-Care Quick Reference topics on Pediatric Care Online (PCO)—the AAP’s digital point-of-care resource.
The goal for authoring is to update these Quick Reference topics with succinct information that allows the clinician to use in point-of-care decision-making in both diagnosis (including any appropriate labs/imaging) and treatment. This includes referencing relevant current AAP guidelines and policies to reflect the most up to date, best practice information on clinical topics.
This is a great opportunity for national AAP involvement that will fit in with any schedule and is for those new to the review process. The authoring group will be supported by the PCO Editorial Board. If you are interested in authoring a PCO Quick Reference topic(s), please complete the application form and return to Jennifer McDonald, along with your curriculum vitae, at [email protected]. If selected as an author, instruction of the authoring process will be provided, as well as a list of the topics that are available.
New Webinar Available to View on PCO! Posted 2/8/22
The following PCO Webinar, presented by Melissa Hudson, MD, FAAP, is available to view on Pediatric Care Online (PCO).
Long-term Follow-up Care for Childhood, Adolescent, and Young Adult Cancer Survivors
In this PCO Webinar Dr. Hudson discusses how primary care pediatricians can efficiently access resources to guide them in providing evidence-based care for survivors of pediatric cancer. Learning objectives of this webinar include:
- Utilize the Children's Oncology Group Long-Term Follow-Up Guidelines and the newly published AAP clinical report “Long-term Follow-up Care for Childhood, Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors” to provide evidence-based care for survivors of pediatric cancer.
- Identify barriers in pediatric primary care clinics that make it difficult to provide evidence-based care for survivors of pediatric cancer.
- Develop possible solutions to overcome the barriers in pediatric primary care clinics that make it difficult to provide evidence-based care for survivors of pediatric cancer.
To view the webinar, click here or go to the PCO Webinars page at https://publications.aap.org/pediatriccare/resources/15681.
Melissa M. Hudson, MD, FAAP is a Member and Director of the Cancer Survivorship Division in the Department of Oncology at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Dr. Hudson serves as Co-Chair of the Children’s Oncology Group Long-Term Follow-Up Guidelines for Survivors of Childhood, Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer and Co-Chair of the International Late Effects of Childhood Cancer Guideline Harmonization Group.
January 2022
Pediatric Care Online—A Look Back at 2021 Posted 1/26/22
Pediatric Care Online—the point-of-care resource designed to meet the every day clinical reference needs of health care professionals—had a busy year with new content and updates.
New Unified Site
All your trusted AAP resources, including Journals, News, Solutions, and Books, are now all on a unified site, AAP Publications, offering unparalleled innovation with quick access to essential pediatric titles all in one place.
As part of your PCO subscription, you have access to the Solutions sites on this new platform: Red Book Online, Pediatric Patient Education, and AAP Toolkits—all newly streamlined for ease of use and quick answer finding, including a redesigned home pages to easily find pertinent features and key content at a glance.
Updated Point-of-Care Quick Reference Topics
Using the AAP Textbook of Pediatric Care as the foundation, the Point-of-Care Quick Reference provides succinct, bulleted text in a standardized format to find clinical content fast. Last year, many topics were updated and many more are to come, including:
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PCO Webinars
PCO Webinars are presented by distinguished experts on important and timely topics in pediatrics. Last year we were fortunate to offer the following:
- Long-term Follow-up Care for Childhood, Adolescent, and Young Adult Cancer Survivors – Melissa M. Hudson, MD, FAAP
- Introducing the New Mental Health Clinical Support Chart – Jane Meschan Foy, MD, FAAP | Cori M. Green, MD, MS, FAAP
- Positional Molding vs. Craniosynostosis – David Chesler, MD, PhD, FAANS, FAAP | Elias Rizk, MD, MSc, FAANS
- A Multidisciplinary Approach to Infants with GERD-like Symptoms: A New Paradigm – Mark Fishbein, MD, FAAP
- Hit Me With Your Best Shot: Updates to the 2021 Children and Adolescent Immunization Schedule – Henry (Hank) Bernstein, DO, MHCM, FAAP
Red Book Online
New 2021 Edition of Red Book now on Red Book Online
The newly revised and updated Red Book: 2021–2024 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases, 32nd Edition was posted to Red Book Online—the go-to resource for the most current information on infectious diseases.
View the new edition of the Red Book clicking "Red Book 2021" on the home page of Red Book Online, or go directly to the Table of Contents. Also refer to the Summary of Major Changes to quickly see all the new and updated content in the Red Book 2021
New Outbreaks
Information and resource links for current infectious disease outbreaks. This section focuses on current outbreaks that affect the pediatric population and that have been identified in multiple US states. Current outbreaks on Red Book Online include:
- Acute Flaccid Myelitis
- Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- Measles
- Onions – Salmonella Oranienburg Infections
- Packaged Salads – coli Infections
- Packaged Salads by Dole and Fresh Express – Listeria
- Penicillin-resistant and Ciprofloxacin-resistant Neisseria Meningitis
Pediatric Patient Education
New, Expanded, and Updated Handouts Collections
As a subscriber to Pediatric Care Online, you have full access to Pediatric Patient Education—your trusted source when patients and parents are looking for expert advice for and about kids.
In 2021, the following updates and enhancements were made to Pediatric Patient Education Handouts by Collection:
- Six handouts in English and six handouts in Spanish from the Addressing Mental Health Concerns in Pediatrics: A Practical Resource Toolkit for Clinicians, 2nd Edition were added to a new Mental Health Toolkit Handouts collection.
- A new ADHD Toolkit Handouts collection landing page was created featuring seven handouts in English and seven handouts in Spanish from Caring for Children With ADHD: A Practical Resource Toolkit for Clinicians, 3rd Edition.
- Fourteen handouts in English and 14 handouts in Spanish from the Vaccine Information Statements collection were updated.
Mental Health Toolkit on PCO
The new Addressing Mental Health Concerns in Pediatrics: A Practical Resource Toolkit for Clinicians, 2nd Edition is available as part of your Pediatric Care Online subscription.
The tools in this collection align with the all-new AAP Mental Health Competencies for Pediatric Practice, giving you convenient access to core content, forms, screening and assessment resources, and all-new videos demonstrating conversation techniques firsthand. These succinct clinical tools provide step-by-step decision support for assessment and care of children, covering the most common mental health topics
December 2021
PCO Webinar: Long-term Follow-up Care for Childhood, Adolescent, and Young Adult Cancer Survivors Posted 12/1/21
We invite you to join us on Wednesday, December 15, from 5:00 to 6:00 pm ET when Melissa M. Hudson, MD, FAAP discusses how primary care pediatricians can efficiently access resources to guide them in providing evidence-based care for survivors of pediatric cancer. Learning objectives of this webinar include:
- Utilize the Children's Oncology Group Long Term Follow Up Guidelines and the newly published AAP clinical report “Long-term Follow-up Care for Childhood, Adolescent, and Young Adult Cancer Survivors” in order to provide evidence-based care for survivors of pediatric cancer.
- Identify barriers in pediatric primary care clinics that make it difficult to provide evidence-based care for survivors of pediatric cancer.
- Develop possible solutions to overcome the barriers in pediatric primary care clinics that make it difficult to provide evidence-based care for survivors of pediatric cancer.
To view the webinar on Wednesday, December 15, please click here or use the following url: https://event.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1516421&tp_key=f521d4023c
Melissa M. Hudson, MD, FAAP is currently a Member and Director of the Cancer Survivorship Division in the Department of Oncology at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Dr. Hudson serves as Co-Chair of the Children’s Oncology Group Long-Term Follow-Up Guidelines for Survivors of Childhood, Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer and Co-Chair of the International Late Effects of Childhood Cancer Guideline Harmonization Group.
November 2021
PCO Webinar—Introducing the New Mental Health Clinical Support Chart Posted 11/24/21
We invite you to join us on Wednesday, December 8, from 5:00 to 6:00 pm ET when Jane Meschan Foy, MD, FAAP and Cori M. Green, MD, MS, FAAP discuss care of common pediatric mental health problems within pediatric practice and use of a clinical support tool in decision-making about mental health care. Learning objectives of this webinar include:
- List commonly occurring pediatric mental health concerns.
- Describe evidence-based “common factors” communication skills that are effective in reducing distress and readying patients and their families to receive help across a wide range of presenting concerns.
- Describe evidence-based strategies to reinforce strengths and promote emotional health in families affected by a child’s mental health problem(s).
- Describe examples of brief interventions—“common elements” of evidence-based therapies for a related group of symptoms.
- Use a clinical support chart to assist in implementing the skills and approaches above.
To view the webinar on Wednesday, December 8, please click here or use the following url: https://event.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1516418&tp_key=673eee3706
The Presenters
Jane Meschan Foy, MD, FAAP has been involved in pediatric practice, teaching, administration, and/or advocacy in various combinations throughout her career—for the last 2 decades as an academic generalist at Wake Forest School of Medicine, retiring to the Wake Forest Emeritus Academy in July 2021. Dr. Foy’s work has focused on caring for under-served populations in community and school-based settings; enhancing mental health care in pediatric practice; and training residents in community pediatrics and advocacy. She has been active in the NC Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) since completing her residency and she served as its president from 1998–2000; she has been active in the AAP since 1998 in various leadership roles before serving on its Board of Directors from 2013–2019.
For the last ten years, Dr. Foy has been involved in authoring and editing AAP publications on the topic of pediatric mental health. She served as lead author of the AAP policy statement on mental health competencies for pediatrics and, most recently, edited Managing Mental Health Concerns in Pediatrics: A Clinical Support Chart. Dr. Foy currently serves as an Associate Editor of Mental Health on the PCO Editorial Board.
Cori M. Green, MD, MS, FAAP is Director of Behavioral Health Education and Integration in pediatrics and an Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medicine. Her clinical and research focus is the integration of pediatric mental health care into pediatric care and she has received grant funding and published in this field. She is a faculty member for Project TEACH and the REACH Institute where she trains pediatric providers to integrate mental health into primary care.
Dr. Green is part of several of the AAP mental health initiatives as a member of the Mental Health Leadership Workgroup. She also consults for the American Board of Pediatrics.
Now Live! Pediatric Care Online on New Unified Site Posted 11/19/21
All your trusted AAP resources, including Journals, News, Point-of-Care Solutions, and Books, are now all on a unified site at https://publications.aap.org offering unparalleled innovation with quick access to essential pediatric titles all in one place.
As part of Point-of-Care Solutions, Pediatric Care Online (PCO) is on this unified site. Newly streamlined for ease of use and quick answer finding, PCO now has a new fresh look, including a redesigned home page where you will find pertinent features and key content at a glance, including the AAP Textbook of Pediatric Care, Point-of-Care Quick Reference, Webinars, and much more.
And, as part of your PCO subscription, you have access to the other Point-of-Care Solutions sites, Red Book Online, Pediatric Patient Education, and AAP Toolkits, which are also on the new unified site.
Visit PCO today and discover newly enhanced layouts and functionality, such as all your point-of-care clinical resources (Algorithms, Drug Lookup, Forms & Tools, Videos, and Visual Library) in one drop-down menu on the PCO home page, and split screen functionality that allows you to view AAP Textbook of Pediatric Care chapter text on the left and figures, images, tables, references, and related articles on the right.
Visit the new unified site or learn more at https://www.aap.org/pubscentral.
October 2021
Coming Soon—Pediatric Care Online on New Unified Site Posted 10/20/21
Coming in November, all your trusted AAP resources, including Journals, News, Point-of-Care Solutions, and Books, are moving to one unified site offering unparalleled innovation with streamlined access to essential pediatric titles all in one place.
As part of Point-of-Care Solutions, Pediatric Care Online (PCO) will be on this unified site. Newly streamlined for ease of use and quick answer finding, PCO will also have a new fresh look, including a redesigned home page and split screen content viewing. See below for a sneak peek.
New PCO Home Page—Find pertinent features and key content at a glance, including the AAP Textbook of Pediatric Care, Point-of-Care Quick Reference, Webinars, as well as access to Red Book Online, Pediatric Patient Education, AAP Toolkits, and much more.
New Clinical Resources Organization—All your point-of-care clinical resources are now at your fingertips in one drop-down menu on the PCO home page, including Algorithms, Drug Lookup, Forms & Tools, Videos, and Visual Library.
New Split Screen Functionality—View AAP Textbook of Pediatric Care chapter text on the left and figures, images, tables, references, and related articles on the right.
Learn more at https://www.aap.org/pubscentral and be on the lookout for additional messaging about this exciting new unified AAP site.
September 2021
PCO Webinar—Positional Molding vs. Craniosynostosis Posted 9/7/21
We invite you to join us on Monday, September 20, 2021, at 5:00 pm EDT when David Chesler, MD, PhD, FAANS, FAAP and Elias Rizk, MD, MSc, FAANS, FAAP discuss positional molding and craniosynostosis, including:
- The basic pathology underlying positional molding
- Treatment options for positional molding and when they should be employed
- The basic pathologies underlying non-syndromic and syndromic craniosynostosis
- The circumstances and timing under which it is necessary and appropriate to refer for neurosurgical consultation
- Treatment options for syndromic and non-syndromic craniosynostosis and when they should be employed
The Presenters:
David Chesler, MD, PhD, FAANS, FAAP
Associate Professor of Neurological Surgery and Pediatrics
Director of Pediatric Neurological Surgery
Stony Brook Children’s
Elias Rizk, MD, MSc, FAANS, FAAP
Associate Professor of Neurosurgery
Division Chief, Pediatric Neurosurgery
Penn State Health
Unable to view the webinar live or have you missed past webinars? All PCO webinars are archived at
https://publications.aap.org/pediatriccare/resources/15681
The Next AAP Town Hall: COVID – How are the Children? Posted 9/7/21
The AAP hosts a bi-weekly series of virtual town halls linking members with leading experts to discuss emerging issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The next session will be held on Thursday, September 9, 2021 at 7:00 pm CDT. During this event, we will address the variety of impacts that COVID-19 is having on children and adolescents. Join us for this informative session where you will hear from leading experts and connect with your peers.
View this and previous AAP Town Halls here.
August 2021
AAP Town Hall: COVID-19 Hot Topics | Posted 8/13/21
The AAP hosts a bi-weekly series of virtual town halls linking members with leading experts to discuss emerging issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The next session will be held on Thursday, August 19, 2021 at 7:00 pm CT and will address the COVID-19 variant, vaccinations, back-to-school, and other pressing topics. Join us for this informative session where you will hear from leading experts and connect with your peers.
View this and previous AAP Town Halls here.
Expert Panelists:
Sara Bode, MD, FAAP
Chairperson-elect, AAP Council on School Health
Medical Director, Nationwide Children's Hospital's Care Connection School-Based Health and Mobile Clinics
David W. Kimberlin, MD, FAAP
Editor, AAP Red Book
Sergio Stagno, MD Endowed Chair in Infectious Diseases
Co-Director of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases; and Vice Chair for Clinical and Translational Research at University of Alabama at Birmingham
Bonnie Maldonado, MD, FAAP
Chairperson, AAP Committee on Infectious Diseases
Professor, Departments of Pediatrics and of Health Research and Policy; Chief, Division of Infectious Diseases; and Senior Associate Dean of Faculty Development, Stanford University School of Medicine
May 2021
Mobile Apps Retirement: Red Book® Online and Pediatric Care Online™ | Posted 5/14/21
On June 1, 2021, the AAP mobile apps Red Book Online (RBO) and Pediatric Care Online (PCO) will be retired to align with our efforts to provide the most updated content with the best user experience to our members and customers.
Please see the FAQs for more details about the plan as well as the best ways to access RBO and PCO content on a mobile device going forward.
American Academy of Pediatrics Calls for Children and Teens Age 12 and Up to Get the COVID-19 Vaccine | Posted 5/12/21
Itasca, Ill.—In a new policy statement today, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends vaccinating all children ages 12 and older who are eligible for the federally authorized COVID-19 vaccine.
The AAP policy statement comes amid a discussion by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for adolescents 12 years and older, including a review of the data provided by clinical trials. Earlier this week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted an Emergency Use Authorization for use of the vaccine in the 12- to 15-year age group. Both steps were part of a long-standing, rigorous and transparent process that leads to the development of all vaccines.
The AAP recommends that all eligible children, teens, family and household members be vaccinated as soon as possible. Pediatricians are especially concerned about communities disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and are working to ensure equity in the vaccine’s distribution.
Click here for the full press statement.
AAP Policy Statement: COVID-19 Vaccines in Children and Adolescents
AAP News article: AAP, CDC recommend COVID-19 vaccine for ages 12 and older
HealthyChildren.org article: Getting Your Child Ready for the COVID-19 Vaccine
April 2021
PCO Webinar—A Multidisciplinary Approach to Infants with GERD-like Symptoms: A New Paradigm | Posted 4/12/21
We invite you to join us on Friday, April 23, at 11:00 am EDT when Mark Fishbein, MD, FAAP discusses a multidisciplinary approach to infants with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)-like symptoms. Objectives of this webinar include:
- Understand GERD-like symptoms in infants.
- Distinguish GERD-like symptoms from GER and GERD.
- Recognize the symptoms of dysphagia and colic and the role of therapy to address these conditions.
Mark Fishbein, MD, FAAP is a pediatric gastroenterologist at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, a faculty member of the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, and medical director of the Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Disorder Clinic at Northwestern Medicine at Central DuPage Hospital. He is the coauthor of Food Chaining: The Proven 6-Step Plan to Stop Picky Eating, Solve Feeding Problems, and Expand Your Child’s Diet and The CALM Baby Method: Solutions for Fussy Days and Sleepless Nights published by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
All PCO webinars are archived at https://publications.aap.org/pediatriccare/resources/15681
March 2021
New PCO Webinar—2021 Immunization Schedule | Posted 3/29/21
Now available!
NEW Hit Me with Your Best Shot: Immunizations in 2021
In this webinar, Henry (Hank) Bernstein, DO, MHCM, FAAP discusses the Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule: United States, 2021, including the rationale for the latest updates and the process for approval of COVID19 vaccine in children.
Have you missed past Pediatric Care Online (PCO) Webinars? View them any time on the PCO Webinars page. Here are a few PCO Webinars available now:
Acute Kidney Injury in Children
Brian Stotter, DO, FAAP discusses how to formulate a differential diagnosis for causes of acute kidney injury (AKI) based on clinical and laboratory findings, as well as how to describe the initial management of AKI and recall the indications for renal replacement therapy.
Hematuria in Children
Dr. Stotter identifies the different causes of hematuria in children; evaluates the source of hematuria based on history, physical exam, and diagnostic studies; and distinguishes between isolated hematuria and hematuria associated with other renal and systemic manifestations that would require nephrology follow-up.
Pediatric Hypertension
Dr. Stotter defines and confirms elevated blood pressure and hypertension in children; lists common causes of hypertension in children across different age ranges; and describes the diagnostic evaluation of a child presenting with suspected hypertension based on history and physical exam findings.
Identifying Infants and Young Children With Developmental Disorders Through Developmental Surveillance and Screening
Paul Lipkin, MD, FAAP and Michelle Macias, MD, FAAP summarize the recommended steps for effective developmental surveillance and screening, identify components of developmental surveillance, and identify AAP partner initiatives and resources available to assist with implementation of developmental screening, referral, and follow-up.
Identification, Evaluation, and Management of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Susan Hyman, MD, FAAP and Susan Levy, MD, MPH, FAAP describe effective methods for screening and early identification of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in primary care; report the components of diagnostic and etiologic evaluation of children with ASD; identify evidence-based interventions for the core deficits of ASD and associated co-occurring conditions; and report strategies to engage in shared decision-making and partnership with families/caregivers of children and youth with ASD.
Find all PCO Webinars at https://publications.aap.org/pediatriccare/resources/15681
February 2021
New Mental Health Toolkit on PCO! Posted 2/25/21
The new Addressing Mental Health Concerns in Pediatrics: A Practical Resource Toolkit for Clinicians, 2nd Edition is now available as part of your Pediatric Care Online (PCO) subscription.
All clinicians working with children and adolescents must be prepared to be a first-line advocate when mental health concerns arise.
This toolkit is designed to empower pediatric care providers to ready their practice for delivering comprehensive mental health care. The 2nd edition, Addressing Mental Health Concerns in Pediatrics: A Practical Resource Toolkit for Clinicians, has been condensed to deliver a streamlined collection of tools that are most relevant to pediatric practice in a new online format as part of the AAP Toolkits collection.
The tools in this collection align with the all-new AAP Mental Health Competencies for Pediatric Practice, giving you convenient access to core content, forms, screening and assessment resources, and all-new videos demonstrating conversation techniques firsthand. These succinct clinical tools provide step-by-step decision support for assessment and care of children, covering the most common mental health topics including:
- Anxiety and Trauma-Related Distress
- Depressive Symptoms
- Disruptive Behavior and Aggression
- Emotional or Behavioral Disturbances in Children Younger Than 5 Years
- Sleep Problems
- Substance Use
- Suicidality and Trauma
Start using this toolkit today at Mental Health Toolkit.
PCO Webinar—Hit Me with Your Best Shot: Immunizations in 2021 Posted 2/23/21
We invite you to join us on Monday, March 8, at 12:00 pm EST when Henry Bernstein, DO, MHCM, FAAP discusses the Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule: United States, 2021. Objectives of this webinar include:
- Highlight the current Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule: United States, 2021.
- Understand the rationale for the latest updates to the 2021 universal immunization schedule.
- Understand the process for approval of COVID19 vaccine in children.
Henry Bernstein, DO, MHCM, FAAP is a Professor of Pediatrics at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell in New York. He presently is a member of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Associate Editor of Red Book Online. He is an ex-officio member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases.
Dr. Bernstein taps into his extensive 36-year experience as a general pediatrician in private practice, the National Health Service Corps, and as Chief of General Academic Pediatrics at urban, suburban, and rural children’s hospitals to promote the health and well-being of children, their families, and their communities.
His private, community-based primary care (generalist) experiences, in combination with academic leadership responsibilities, have provided him with a value-added, translational science perspective, unique from many others in academia.
This tacit knowledge enables him to fulfill a lifelong passion of communicating, educating, and translating science into clinical settings, educational venues, policymaking, and media interactions to advance the health of children.
January 2021
Pediatric Care Online—A Look Back at 2020 Posted 1/12/21
Pediatric Care Online—the point-of-care resource designed to meet the every day clinical reference needs of health care professionals—had a busy year with new content and updates.
Updated Point-of-Care Quick Reference Topics
Using the AAP Textbook of Pediatric Care as the foundation, the Point-of-Care Quick Reference provides succinct, bulleted text in a standardized format to find clinical content fast. Last year, many topics were updated, including:
- Acute Kidney Injury
- Amblyopia and Strabismus
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
- Constipation
- Diaper Rash
- Enuresis
- Epistaxis
- Failure to Thrive
- Fatigue and Weakness
- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
- Fever
- Fever of Unknown Origin
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
- Headache
- Healthy Weight
- Hearing Loss
- Hearing Screening
- Heart Murmurs
- Hematuria
- Hemoglobinopathies and Sickle Cell Disease
- Hemoptysis
- Henoch-Schonlein Purpura
- Hepatomegaly
- High Altitude Illness
- Loss of Appetite
- Macrocephaly
- Otitis Externa
- Otitis Media
- Hypertension
- Hypotonia
- Immune Thrombocytopenia Purpura
- Irritability
- Lymphadenopathy
- Pinworm Infestations
- Plagiocephaly
- Polyuria
- Preventive Cardiology
- Proteinuria
- Screening for Anemia
- Severe Acute Asthma
- Stridor
- Syncope
- Urinalysis and Urine Culture
- Vaginal Bleeding
- Vaginal Discharge
- Vision Screening
- Vitamin D Inadequacy
- Vomiting
- Weight Loss
- Wheezing
New and Updated AAP Textbook of Pediatric Care Chapters
Neonatology for Primary Care, 2nd Edition, including six brand new chapters, was added to the AAP Textbook of Pediatric Care—the first-ever AAP textbook, including 375 chapters that address clinical issues faced by physicians who care for children.
- Chapter 88.1: Optimizing Nutrition for the Preterm, Very Low-Birth-Weight Infant After Discharge From Neonatal Intensive Care
- Chapter 88.2: Newborn Immunizations and Immune Prophylaxis
- Chapter 88.3: Balancing Safe Sleep and Other Recommendations for Newborns
- Chapter 95.1: Vascular Anomalies
- Chapter 106.1: Endocrine Disorders Manifesting in the Newborn Period
- Chapter 116.1: Shared Decision Making Around Home Technologies
PCO Webinars
PCO Webinars are presented by distinguished experts on important and timely topics in pediatrics. Last year we were fortunate to offer the following:
- Identification, Evaluation, and Management of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder – Susan L. Hyman, MD, FAAP and Susan E. Levy, MD, MPH, FAAP
- Identifying Infants and Young Children With Developmental Disorders Through Developmental Surveillance and Screening – Paul H. Lipkin, MD, FAAP and Michelle M. Macias, MD, FAAP
- Acute Kidney Injury in Children | Hematuria in Children | Pediatric Hypertension – Brian Stotter, MD, FAAP
Red Book Online
Current Outbreaks
This section focuses on current outbreaks that affect the pediatric population and that have been identified in multiple US states. Current outbreaks on Red Book Online include:
- Acute Flaccid Myelitis
- 2019 Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19)
- Measles – 2019 Outbreaks
- Meningococcal Serogroup Y Strain with Penicillin & Ciprofloxacin Resistance
Pediatric Patient Education
Handouts by Language
As a subscriber to Pediatric Care Online, you have full access to Pediatric Patient Education—your trusted source when patients and parents look to you for expert advice for and about kids.
In addition to English and Spanish, 11 pediatric patient handouts are now available in the following 12 languages on Pediatric Patient Education:
- Arabic
- Bengali
- Chinese (Mandarin)
- French
- Haitian Creole
- Hmong
- Korean
- Polish
- Portuguese
- Russian
- Somali
- Vietnamese
Thank you for your continued support of PCO!
