Flu Shot Season is Here   

Extended Hours   

There have been significant changes in two childhood vaccines this year. First, Prevnar (or pneumococcal conjugate vaccine) which was released by Wyeth back in 2000, has given way to Prevnar-13. This new vaccine, made by Pfizer, covers an additional six strains of pneumococcal bacteria. It reduces the risk, not only of pneumococcal ear infections, but also meningitis and pneumonia. This vaccine is required for daycare attendees in New York. It is not mandated for kindergarten entry.

The second piece of vaccine news relates to the meningococcal conjugate vaccine. The Immunization Practices Advisory Committee of the CDC now recommends that children as young as age 11 can receive this vaccine, and get a booster five years later. Additionally, earlier this year, Novartis released a second MCV called Menveo. There may be some advantages to this over Menactra, the original MCV. Our practice plans to switch over to Menveo.

While on the subject of shots, parents sometimes ask us about vaccine excipients such as aluminum and mercury. The National Vaccine Information Center has an ingredient calculator  that may be helpful.

Protect Your Child From Allergies           

Researchers from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden last year reported that children who spent the first five years of life on a farm had dramatically less allergic rhinitis than children raised in a city - and the effect is life-long. We agree. We're not aware of a single child in our practice with significant hay fever that was raised on a farm.

What about eggs - what's the best time to introduce them? You're in for a surprise. A group from Parkland, Australia studied over 2,500 infants and determined that introducing eggs at 4 to 6 months of age resulted in the lowest incidence of egg allergy.  This is interesting, since we're seeing growing numbers of children with egg allergy, but almost no one in our practice, especially moms who breast feed, starts egg this early. The Weston Price Foundation has long supported introduction of eggs as early as 4 months of age.

Two Nutritious Beverages            

Author and film director Markus Rothkranz (who will be 50 next year but looks half that...) shows us how to prepare pine needle tea in this lively video. Did you know that pine needles have 300 times more vitamin C than oranges? He also makes some interesting points about sulfur - a mineral that is typically lacking in our diets, and rosemary - a remarkable stimulant and anti-oxidant herb.

Rejuvelac is a potent fermented grain drink first popularized by the late Ann Wigmore.   In this video, Green Smoothie Girl Robyn Openshaw shares some practical tips on preparing (from both quinoa and wheat) rejuvelac for your family.  It's not only a great source of probiotics and vitamins but also extremely affordable.