Montana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics

08/16/2025

👩‍⚕️: Hi parents! Over the past few weeks, the Montana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics has been sharing tips and information on immunizations for babies ages 0 to 2.

🫶 Now we’d love to hear from you! Your feedback helps us make sure we’re sharing the information you find most helpful. It only takes a few minutes to complete our survey, and as a thank-you, you’ll be entered to win a digital gift card!

🌄 Click the link in our bio to share your thoughts. Together, we can keep Montana kids healthy!

👉 Survey link: http://bit.ly/4fx47iB

08/05/2025

08/05/2025

The new school year is just around the corner, and so is flu season. Before your kids head back to the classroom, make sure the flu vaccine is at the top of your back-to-school checklist.

The flu vaccine is the best defense to keep your child healthy, safe, and learning all year long. The AAP recommends annual childhood flu vaccination starting at 6 months of age. Talk with your pediatrician or visit our website for more information.
https://bit.ly/4lZZzU4

08/04/2025

🤢 Did you know rotavirus is a common cause of severe diarrhea and vomiting in babies and toddlers?

💉 As pediatricians, we strongly recommend the rotavirus vaccine—it helps protect your little one from dehydration, hospital visits, and serious illness caused by this virus. The vaccine is safe, effective, and given orally starting at 2 months of age.

Let’s keep those tiny tummies happy and healthy! 🍼👶

07/30/2025

🛡️ As pediatricians we want you to know: the Hepatitis B vaccine is one of the first steps in protecting your baby’s health—starting right at birth.

🦠 Hep B can lead to serious liver disease, and babies are especially vulnerable if exposed early.

💉 The vaccine is safe, effective, and given in a 3-dose series during the first months of life. It’s a powerful tool to prevent lifelong illness.

Protect their future from day one! 💛

07/08/2025

The pneumococcal (PCV) vaccine is one of the best tools we have to protect your child from some very serious infections — including:

🧠 Meningitis (infection of the brain lining)
🫁 Pneumonia (lung infection)
🩸 Sepsis (a life-threatening bloodstream infection)
👂 Ear infections

These illnesses can be severe, especially in babies and young kids — but the PCV vaccine helps prevent them by teaching your child’s immune system how to recognize and fight off the bacteria that cause them. 🛡️

This vaccine has been a game-changer in keeping kids healthy and out of the hospital. 💙

Got questions? Let’s talk — your child’s health is our top priority.

06/27/2025

06/24/2025

👶💉 Pediatrician Tip: The Hib vaccine protects your child from serious illnesses like meningitis, pneumonia, and a dangerous throat infection called epiglottitis. These infections can be life-threatening — but they’re preventable!

We start the Hib series in infancy to build protection early. Stay on schedule and keep your child safe. 💪

06/18/2025

For nearly 100 years, the AAP has been a trusted voice in children’s health, offering answers, guidance, and support grounded in science and compassion. Whether it’s navigating a diagnosis, understanding vaccines, or just knowing what’s normal, we’re here to help. Families need to know who they can trust and count on for the medical advice and care our children need and deserve. Your questions matter. We've always been here to answer them. And we always will be. Thank you Washington Post for highlighting our efforts.

06/11/2025

📣 We're Hiring!
Join our mission to improve child health across Montana! The Montana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (MTAAP) is seeking a Communications & Membership Coordinator to support our growing nonprofit team.

🕒 5–10 hours/week
📍 Remote work opportunity
🎓 Bachelor’s in Communications or related field required
💡 Ideal for a creative, organized communicator who’s passionate about public health and equity.

You’ll help us connect with pediatricians, amplify advocacy efforts, and grow a vibrant member community—all in support of Montana kids. 💙

👉 If interested email info@mtpeds.org or share with someone who'd be a great fit!

05/22/2025

As pediatricians, we want to alert all parents and caregivers to a serious and often overlooked hazard in many homes: button batteries (also called coin batteries).

🧸 These small, shiny batteries are found in toys, remotes, watches, hearing aids, and even musical greeting cards. But when swallowed by a child, they can cause life-threatening injuries in just a few hours.

Here’s why they’re so dangerous:
🔘 When lodged in the esophagus, button batteries can create an electrical current that burns through tissue.
🔘 Symptoms may seem mild or nonspecific: drooling, coughing, chest discomfort, or refusal to eat.

‼️ What you need to know:
✅ Keep devices with button batteries OUT OF REACH of young children.
✅ Use battery compartments that are screwed shut or child-resistant.
✅ If you suspect your child swallowed a battery, go to the ER immediately — don’t wait for symptoms to appear.
✅ Do NOT induce vomiting or let them eat or drink.

📞 For emergencies, contact the National Battery Ingestion Hotline: 1-800-498-8666

Let’s keep our kids safe — one battery at a time. 💙