10/12/2025
As we move deeper into fall, we’re still seeing a fair amount of hand, foot, and mouth disease in the office, while other respiratory viruses have started to settle down a bit. According to the latest report from the New Jersey Department of Health, emergency visits for COVID continue to decline, and levels of influenza and RSV remain low for now.
Based on the respiratory panel testing we’ve been doing through our office, many kids with what seem like ordinary colds are testing positive for other common viruses such as rhinovirus and parainfluenza. Still, as the school year hits full stride, this pattern can change quickly, so it’s a great time to double down on the basics: frequent handwashing and keeping hands away from your face.
Flu season is right around the corner, and now’s the best time to get ahead of it. Starting this Tuesday, we’ll be holding walk-in flu clinics every Tuesday from 3:00–4:30 PM, no appointment needed. Our first Sunday flu clinic of the year was a big success, thank you to all the families who came in! If you could not make it, our next Sunday flu clinic will be held on October 26th.
Even though flu activity is still low right now, it typically begins to rise in late October, which makes early vaccination the best way to stay protected through the season.
We’re also now offering the Beyfortus (RSV) shot for all infants under 8 months of age entering their first RSV season. RSV remains the most common cause of hospitalization in babies, so this new protection is a great step forward in keeping our youngest patients healthy.
We’re excited to share that DVPA will be at the Penn Medicine Princeton Hospital Baby Fair on Sunday, October 19th. If you’re attending, stop by our table and say hello!
And of course, October wouldn’t be complete without our annual Pumpkin Decorating Contest! Our staff is already hard at work (and maybe enlisting a little help from their kids) to create this year’s entries. Be sure to vote for your favorite pumpkin, every voter will be entered into a drawing for a gift card to the The Gingered Peach
As always, if your child is sick or you’re not sure whether they should be seen, just give us a call. Same-day sick visits are always available, and you can now self-schedule both sick and well visits through your patient portal.
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