By Karen McBride
Published by Dunndeal Publications
September, 2017
Students are back in school and that means afterschool sports and activities have begun. If you have not already scheduled your child’s back to school physical or sports physical, it is not too late. Contact Dr. Michele Johnson-Towson, at Pediatric Place of Tampa, a board-certified pediatrician with 28 years of experience in caring for children ages newborn to 21 years old.
As the academic year begins, so does the cold and flu season. Germs are spread quickly through the schools, and children need to protect themselves from illness as much as possible. In addition to proper sleep and nutrition to boost their immune systems, vaccines are available. Parents are encouraged to get the flu shot, not only for themselves, but for their children. The flu shot, which contains coverage against the influenza A&B strains, is available in proper doses for ages 6 months and up.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Getting an annual flu vaccine is the first and best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu.” It is recommended patients should get the vaccine before the end of October, if possible, to allow the body to produce the antibodies needed to protect itself from the flu.
Pediatric Place of Tampa is located at 1338 W. Fletcher Avenue, Tampa, FL 33612. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call 813-264-2288. Same day appointments are available (Monday-Friday 8:00 am – 3:30 pm).
Knowing all too well that families can be in need of a doctor at any time, Pediatric Place offers afterhours/urgent care (Monday-Thursday 3:30 pm – 7:00 pm; Friday 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm; Saturday 8:00 am – 12:00 pm) as a special accommodation to their patients.
New patients are welcome and the practice accepts all insurance.
