SPOT Care - Specialist Paediatrics & Outpatient Therapy

25/04/2026

Malaria Awareness Reminder
If you are traveling to malaria endemic areas to use anti-mosquito measures such as bednets, repellents & prophylactic medicines.🦟


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24/04/2026

Do young children need one or two doses of vaccine?
Two doses of vaccine (administered one month apart) are recommended in the first year of vaccination in any child younger than 9 years of age

24/04/2026

From what age should babies / children get the flu vaccine?
The influenza vaccine available in South Africa is the “Inactivated Influenza Vaccine (IIV)” It is recommended for children from 6 months of age.

22/04/2026

Flu season 2026 has come early

The autumn of 2026 is unusual in that the RSV and Influenza season are both occurring at the same time. Usually, influenza peaks in winter and so this could potentially be a severe season.
There is a risk of being infected with both viruses simultaneously, which could lead to a more severe illness.
The Influenza (“flu”) vaccine is the best way to protect against getting sick from the flu.

Vaccination is recommended as soon as possible as it takes at least 2 weeks for protective antibodies to develop. Younger children may require 2 doses before they are fully protected.
https://www.nicd.ac.za/influenza-updates/
https://www.nicd.ac.za/public-urged-to-vaccinate-as-flu-season-starts-earlier-than-usual/

Sources: NICD and Rajeev Maharaj

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21/04/2026

Our wonderful colleague at CHBaragwanath Hospital are spreading a little winter cheer! So many of you are always so incredibly generous with your donations - If you would like to contribute please feel free to drop any new or gently used PJs and blankets with our lovely receptionists and we will make sure they get to Surgeons for Little Lives!

Please share with your friends and family. Our winter blanket and PJ drive!

Help us keep our little ones warm this winter by donating clean, gently used or new blankets and winter pyjamas.

Please contact:

Mathapelo / Noluthando – 011 933 8138/9342

Ansie – info@surgeonsforlittlelives.org

Drop offs:

Surgeons for Little Lives office Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital PSOPD building.

Collections for large numbers can be arranged.

21/04/2026

17/04/2026

Seasonal Influenza vaccination is recommended for:
💉 Those at high risk for severe Influenza illness, including:
•Children ≥6 months - ≤ 5 years
•Pregnant individuals
•Elderly ≥ 60 years
•Those with chronic illnesses
💡 It should also be considered for anyone at risk of being infected and who wishes to stay protected, especially:
•Healthcare workers
•Childcare workers
•Child and Adult Family members of high-risk individuals
Stay healthy this flu season!
Call us today to schedule your families’ vaccination with our experienced nurses, Sr Jenny and Sr Adrienne! 010 346 5811

05/04/2026

31/03/2026

13/03/2026

Playing in mud builds children’s immune system
We are (rightly) concerned about eliminating harmful microbes, but we also need to be aware of the need for beneficial microbes
Our aim should not be hyper-sanitized home and perfectly clean children.
Science supports the idea that exposure to microbes can positively influence children’s immune systems.
Playing in these biodiverse environments such as farms and garden increases diversity in their skin and gut microbiota, along with improved immune system regulation.

At SPOT, the garden is part of our therapeutic environment. We love having you enjoy it with us!

31/01/2026

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29/01/2026

The Wonders of Brain Development in Children

-Brain development begins about 2 weeks after conception and continues into young adulthood 20 years later

- More than 1 million new neural connections are formed every second in the first few years of life

- By the age of 3 years, a child has 1,000 trillion synapses (brain connections), the most they will ever have in their life

These connections are critical for cognitive, emotional and social abilities

https://developingchild.harvard.edu/key-concept/brain-architecture/

We are passionate about supporting your child’s brain development.
Our team of healthcare providers work in collaboration to assist you in developing healthy neuro-development.

Please reach out to your paediatrician if you have any questions about your child’s development.

You can make an appointment with our team by phoning our reception 010-346-5810/11.