Kids First Pediatrics of Stafford-Dr. Roxanne Allegretti

12/14/2025

Please help.

The Trump Administration is collecting public comments on a proposed rule that would allow the government to deny permanent residency (green cards) to immigrants, including spouses and parents of US citizens, if they use, or are likely to use, public benefits like Medicaid, housing assistance or food support.

This creates a chilling effect. Even when their children are eligible, families may avoid critical programs out of fear it could hurt their immigration status. That fear doesn't just hurt parents. It puts babies at risk.

When families turn away from health care, housing support, or nutrition assistance, babies lose access to the essentials they need to grow and thrive. These early years are critical for brain development, health, and secure relationships. Without support, babies face setbacks that can last a lifetime.

Babies, including US citizen children, will pay the highest price of this policy change. Join us in urging the Administration to make sure babies have the resources they need to thrive. For comments to be counted separately, each one must be unique. Submit your customizable comment: https://bit.ly/4iSUOef

12/14/2025

Great explanation of why fever isn’t scary to docs and shouldn’t be to parents either!

REMINDER ABOUT WHAT FEVER IS AND WHY IT'S OKAY NOT TO FEAR IT:

(This is for kids over 3 months old - the little ones need urgent evaluation with any temp over 100.4F).

1. A germ (virus or bacteria) enters your body. One of your immune cells floating around notices it. It freaks out. It makes a whole bunch of chemicals to freak everybody else out. HIGH ALERT, EVERYONE!

2. The chemicals reach your brain (the hypothalamus, in particular). The hypothalamus says "OK GUYS, GET THE ARMY OUT THERE, STAT. DO YOUR THANG. I'LL MAKE THIS PLACE REAL HOT TO HELP OUT!"

3. The brain thermostat is set at a new number. Instead of 98 F, he’s now gonna re-set at 102 F.

4. Heart rate speeds up. Breathing speeds up. Blood vessels open, flush. The body is physically pushing the blood around faster, to get the white blood cells there quicker.

5. Muscles shiver, generating heat. You start making more immune cells. They travel around faster. They talk to each other more effectively. They “stick” to the bad guys better.

6. You feel cold, because your new “set” thermostat wants you to be 102F. You're not there yet, so your body is trying to get you there. You shiver. Your muscles ache.

7. Soon, the germ can’t replicate as much as it wants to. It can't divide and conquer. Maybe even its protective coating starts to break down a little bit.

8. Your body is better able to defeat said germ because of the fever. The fever HAS HELPED YOUR BODY KICK SOME GERM *SS.

Some studies suggest that suppressing fever too much can actually make it take longer to get "over" an illness, and can leave you more contagious for longer periods of time!

Before the comments appear - yes, some fevers can cause seizures. These happen in a small portion of kids, can happen at any temp, and these febrile seizures are not harmful to the child's brain. So no - fever doesn't "fry" the brain, I promise.

Temperatures over 108F are considered harmful - and generally only happen in rare situations like prior brain damage or sitting in a hot car.

Hope this helps you fear fever less.

Comment any thing your kid is dealing with lately that you'd like me to write about.

Picture below of the little trophy i almost bought my doctor girlfriends as a Christmas gift this year. 😂

Big hugs during this rough illness season.
❤ DA

12/13/2025

Great advice!

12/13/2025

Exactly.

12/13/2025

OFFICE HOURS
TODAY
8:30am-12:30pm

12/13/2025

Boo, yuck. It’s not too late for a flu shot though!

🤧A new flu strain – H3N2 subclade K – is spreading this season. The flu virus changes often, and multiple strains spread at the same time.

💉 A yearly flu vaccine offers critical protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death from flu, even if it is not a perfect match to circulating strains.

It's not too late to get this season's flu vaccine!

More data about flu in Virginia can be found at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/respiratory-diseases-in-virginia/data/

12/11/2025

Immunizations and public health!!!

12/11/2025

We had a great Christmas celebration for all our amazing staff!! So fun!! Love them all!!

12/10/2025

😂😂😂yes please dont threaten no Santa—it doesn’t work and it’s mean.

12/10/2025

Borrowed but whole heartedly agree—we consider our patients part of our family, and this is what do for our own families:

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recently updated its vaccine schedule, and we want to let you know that our practice will be following their guidance. These updates are based on the latest research and a strong commitment to maintaining children’s health. You can read more on the AAP's parent-focused website: HealthyChildren.org.

Why We are Following the AAP Schedule
Why are we following the AAP schedule? First, because we want your child to grow and flourish—learning to crawl, then walk, pedaling a bicycle, hopping on the school bus, and one day learning to drive. Second, because the AAP has been guiding pediatric care for nearly a century, making evidence-based recommendations that help parents make informed decisions to allow their children to thrive.

Founded in 1930, the organization issued its first vaccine schedule in 1934. More information on this history is available here at AAP News. Today, with over 67,000 members, the AAP offers guidance on numerous aspects of children’s health—from nutrition and mental health to safety—but vaccines remain a central focus. Following their recommendations ensures that parents receive advice grounded in decades of expertise and science.

Vaccine Science and History
Vaccine science continues to advance as new research and data become available. This ongoing evolution has shaped the vaccines used today, saving countless lives and protecting communities. To explore the broader history of vaccine development and evaluation, visit the History of Vaccines 101 website by the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, a comprehensive resource highlighting the science, milestones, and impact of vaccination across generations.

Additional Resources for Parents
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Vaccine Education Center offers a wide range of resources, including a mobile app. The site provides clear, evidence-based information about vaccines, including safety, schedules, and answers to frequently asked questions, helping parents make informed health decisions.

Our Commitment
We carefully review every new recommendation before sharing it with families. We will never recommend a vaccine or treatment for your child that we would not choose for our own.
If you have questions regarding the updated vaccine schedule, our team is available to provide guidance and support.

HealthyChildren.org - Powered by pediatricians. Trusted by parents.

12/06/2025

Scary!

An investigation into 158 youth motocross deaths shows inconsistent safety measures cause preventable fatalities nationwide.