Wareham Pediatrics

02/02/2026

01/26/2026

WPA will be closed Monday, January 26, 2026.
As always, we have nursing and physician staff on call for urgent medical questions.
Please stay safe!

01/24/2026

​The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) discusses how to keep kids safe when playing outside in cold weather.

01/23/2026

January is cervical cancer awareness month. The World Health Organization has a plan for the elimination of cervical cancer through vaccination and screening—we can get there! This January, we encourage you to learn more about cervical health and cervical cancer prevention and take steps to help eliminate this preventable cancer.
In the U.S., rates of infection with strains of HPV covered by the vaccines have dropped significantly since the vaccine was introduced in 2006. Among teen girls, infections with HPV types that cause most HPV cancers and ge***al warts have dropped 88 percent. Among young adult women, infections with HPV types that cause most HPV cancers and ge***al warts have dropped 81 percent.

01/20/2026

Respiratory illness rates in our office for 1/11-1/17

8.3% Covid
27.3% Flu A
1.6% Flu B
6.6% RSV
14.0% Strep A

Influenza rates remain high in the office. It is important that you continue to take steps to reduce the spread of flu. These include getting an annual flu vaccine, frequent hand washing, not touching your face and staying home when you have symptoms of influenza. Individuals at high risk of serious complications of influenza or who have severe symptoms should call the office to be seen.

01/12/2026

Our rates of influenza in the office remain high. Last week, 27% of nasal swabs performed in our office were positive for influenza A and for the first time this season we have begun to see influenza B (1.7%). Thankfully, we have not had to hospitalize any patients with influenza, but most patients we see with flu have high fever, cough, and feel lousy.
The rise in flu seen in our office mirrors what is being reported across the state. One reason for the rise in influenza this year has been steadily decreasing influenza vaccination rates in children.
It is important to vaccinate against influenza because in addition to reducing the risk of being infected, it also decreases the severity of disease. Please consider contacting the office to schedule an appointment for a flu shot.
Contrary to reports that physicians encourage influenza vaccination to make money, it is important to understand that the flu vaccine is provided free of charge to all Massachusetts residents under the age of 19. The only fee charged by the office is an administration fee which is meant to cover the cost of supplies and staff time to administer the vaccine.

01/08/2026

https://open.substack.com/pub/yourlocalepidemiologist/p/flu-is-up-up-and-away-snap-restrictions?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=post%20viewer

The Dose (January 8)

01/08/2026

Routine childhood immunizations are an important part of the path to lifelong health. Misinformation about vaccines has made it harder for families to know who or what to trust. Reliable, science-based guidance can help you make informed, confident choices for your kids.

Routine childhood immunizations are an important part of the path to lifelong health. Misinformation about vaccines has made it harder for families to know who or what to trust. Reliable, science-based guidance can help you make informed, confident choices for your kids. Join Dr. Jennifer Shu, Medic...

01/06/2026

"Tragically, influenza has already been reported to be associated with the deaths of three pediatric patients in Massachusetts during recent weeks. In addition, there have been 29 adult influenza deaths reported so far this season. While COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) rates currently remain low, cases of both illnesses are beginning to rise. DPH is reviewing two possible COVID-19-associated deaths and one RSV-associated death in individuals younger than 18 years" MASS DEPT OF HEALTH

Pediatric deaths underscore urgent need for vaccination and preventive measures

01/06/2026

Statement by AAP President Dr. Andrew Racine on today’s HHS announcement about the childhood immunization schedule:

“Today’s announcement by federal health officials to arbitrarily stop recommending numerous routine childhood immunizations is dangerous and unnecessary. The longstanding, evidence-based approach that has guided the U.S. immunization review and recommendation process remains the best way to keep children healthy and protect against health complications and hospitalizations.

For decades, leading health experts, immunologists, and pediatricians have carefully reviewed new data and evidence as part of the immunization recommendation process, helping to keep newborns, infants, and children protected from diseases they could be exposed to in the United States as they develop and grow. Today’s decision, which was based on a brief review of other countries’ practices, upends this deliberate scientific process.

During this uncertain time, the AAP will continue to publish our own childhood vaccine recommendations.”

01/03/2026

How does mobile technology affect parent-child relationships? Are kids and parents both affected by these digital distractions?