American Academy of Pediatrics, Alaska Chapter

02/12/2026

Have questions? Talk to your pediatrician. They are there for you and your child.

02/12/2026

A great reminder from our friends at the Anchorage Health Department as we get closer to Spring Break. There is still time to get protected before you journey to the lower 48. There are current measles cases as close as WA.

If you have travel planned for spring break, it’s a good idea to check if you are up to date with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. There are multiple measles outbreaks in the lower 48 and having both doses of the MMR is 97% effective at preventing infection if you are exposed during your travels.
The MMR vaccine is very safe and effective. If you are not vaccinated, getting vaccinated two weeks before travel gives your body time to develop immunity. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that is particularly dangerous for young children, pregnant women, and people who are immunocompromised.
Your pediatrician, most pharmacies, and AHD offer the MMR vaccine. You can schedule a vaccine appointment at AHD by calling 907-343-4799 or walk-in when your schedule allows.

https://www.youralaskalink.com/news/local/no-measles-cases-in-anchorage-but-risk-continues/article_3dd0e698-668e-41bd-a83d-b199284f6a23.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawP7K1hleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFkcnlSVnl0UWJFR2lQeGJoc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHrv1jh-rod061py2sW2FF7Itf7gjgScyhqk0EaLzKjkyPxrte3D4kik-Vq3l_aem_bBRD89eKs-wbw4QctDs9VA

Measles cases are rising in the Lower 48. Here in Alaska, the Anchorage Health Department explains the current risk and how to stay safe.

02/12/2026

Measles cases are rising in the Lower 48. Here in Alaska, the Anchorage Health Department explains the current risk and how to stay safe.

02/12/2026

02/12/2026

The internet can sometimes be a scary place for adults as well as teens. Here’s a quick tip to help you support your child spot red flags online. Having conversations about social media early and often is the best way to help keep your child safe online and help them build a healthy relationship with media.

02/12/2026

02/12/2026

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month! Good oral health starts at a young age, and you should start cleaning your kid’s teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first tooth appears to help prevent the formation of cavities. Learn more: https://bit.ly/2z13wC4

02/11/2026

RSV is the top reason infants under 1 are hospitalized. Babies are more vulnerable because their lungs and airways are still developing. Small steps at home can help keep your baby healthy this winter. Use these tips to help lower the chance of RSV spreading in your home this winter. Learn more: https://bit.ly/2QBIXGS

02/11/2026

Pediatricians across the country are seeing firsthand how aggressive immigration enforcement tactics impact child health. The fear of a loved one being detained or witnessing violent confrontations in their communities causes increased anxiety, learning difficulties and even loss of sleep and appetite in kids. Pediatricians also understand the harms of detention on child health and well-being.

In a recent op-ed for USA Today, AAP leaders speak out on how these immigration enforcement and detention actions impact children. Read the full op-ed:
https://bit.ly/4aFFsay

02/06/2026

Raw milk is milk that has not been pasteurized. Raw milk can contain harmful bacteria, such as Campylobacter, Salmonella, E. coli and Listeria, that can make people, especially young children and pregnant people, very sick. Raw milk is not safe to drink. Pasteurization is a process that heats milk to a specific temperature to kill harmful bacteria and does not affect the nutritional content of the milk. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3HLESwf

02/06/2026

A new review by the Vaccine Integrity Project of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy confirms that there is no benefit of delaying the hepatitis B vaccine birth dose. The report also shows significant reduction in infections for those vaccinated.

Researchers state that recent changes to U.S. vaccine policies were not supported by any analysis on the possible risks of delaying hepatitis B vaccination. Decades of evidence have shown the hepatitis B vaccine is critical for helping to protect children from developing chronic hepatitis B.

02/05/2026

Last year, the FDA banned Red Dye 3, a bright cherry-red dye found in many foods, drinks and medicines. Since then, more than 30 states have introduced bills to restrict or ban artificial dyes. With all this attention on food dyes, it's natural to wonder what it means for your family. The good news? You don't need to get rid of every colorful snack or skip birthday cake. Instead, focus on balance and overall eating patterns: provide a diet that consists of mostly whole foods and try to limit ultra processed options, which are the biggest source of added dyes. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4qZI5JZ