Dr. Henry Eikel - Pediatric Group of Acadiana

07/27/2025

The best way to prevent whooping cough in young infants is for the mother to be vaccinated in every pregnancy. This is very safe, and provides good protection for the infant until they are old enough to receive the vaccine themselves.

ALT TEXT: a meme with an image of a young infant in the ICU with pertussis (whooping cough). The infant has various medical tubes tape in their mouth and nose, and cardiac monitoring electrodes on their chest. The text reads:

Worried about vaccine side effects?
You should be worrying about the diseases.

50% of infants with whooping cough are hospitalized.

1-2 in 100 infants hospitalized with whooping cough DIE.

1 in 4 get pneumonia.

2 in 3 get apnea.

1-2 in 100 get convulsions.

1 in 300 get brain damage.

Vaccination: safe, effective, essential.

07/26/2025

07/26/2025

All vaccines contain antigens that help the body create the immune response needed to protect against an infection. Did you know that kids are exposed to 2,000 - 6,000 antigens every day just by playing on the playground or riding public transit? That’s way more than the number of antigens in any combination of vaccines on the current schedule!

There is no benefit to delaying vaccines – doing so can put your child’s health at risk, especially as the new school year approaches. If you have any questions or concerns about vaccinations for your child, talk with your pediatrician or visit our website.
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/immunizations/Pages/Vaccine-Ingredients-Frequently-Asked-Questions.aspx

07/24/2025

07/20/2025

Just because they're tall, doesn't mean they're ready for the adult seat belt! Kids need a booster seat until they can correctly fit in a seat belt. Learn more: https://www.cpsboard.org/car-seat-safety/seat-belts/

National Safety Council National CPS Certification NHTSA Safe Kids Worldwide

07/10/2025

🧬 Advances in vaccine technology have made immunizations far more targeted and efficient. Although today’s recommended childhood vaccine schedule includes 50 to 54 doses—up from just 11 in 1986—children are actually exposed to far fewer antigens.

🛡️ Antigens are the components of a vaccine that trigger an immune response, helping the body recognize and defend against disease.

📉 In 1986, children received vaccines for 7 diseases that collectively contained more than 3,200 antigens. Today’s vaccines protect against 16–18 diseases but include only 165 antigens—a 95% reduction.

✅ Vaccines undergo rigorous testing—both individually and in combination with others. The full childhood immunization schedule is carefully reviewed to ensure safety and effectiveness at every stage.

Resources:
https://www.statnews.com/2025/06/24/too-many-too-soon-vaccine-schedule-children-antigens-immune-system-aluminum/
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/immunizations/Pages/Multiple-Vaccinations-at-One-Time.aspx

07/06/2025

07/04/2025

07/01/2025

06/30/2025

Want to make storytime more engaging? Check out these tips for reading aloud to your child!

06/25/2025

06/23/2025

Vaccine access is on the line. The newly appointed members of ACIP, the group that shapes what vaccines are recommended, covered, and required, meet this week. 🧬

Vaccinate Your Family is watching closely and sounding the alarm.

In our public comment, we call on HHS and CDC to:
⚫ Reject cherry-picked data
⚫ Prioritize science over ideology
⚫ Protect the vaccine access millions of families rely on

If you're grateful for the protection vaccines give your family, now’s the time to speak out.

Read our comment: vaccinateyourfamily.org/acip-comment-june/
Take action: secure.everyaction.com/JYUB5nYaTEKXlCq7Aadx7Q2