jdcpediatrics

Influenza and COVID-19 Vaccines are Here!

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 14:33:36 GMT

JDC Pediatrics now has Influenza (flu) and COVID-19 vaccines available for our patients. These vaccines will provide protection through the 2026-2027 flu/Covid season and should be given to your child as soon as possible.

There are three ways you can schedule a flu and/or Covid vaccine appointment:

Click here to schedule an appointment . You do not need to have a patient portal account to use this option.
Log in and schedule through your child's patient portal account.
Call 717-791-2680 , option 1 or 2, and speak with a staff member.

Flu/Covid vaccine appointments are available Monday through Friday during normal office hours. However, if your child already has an appointment (of any kind) scheduled with our office during flu/Covid season, you may have either or both vaccines given to your child at that visit, as long as the child is healthy and feeling well. You do not need to let us know ahead of time - simply ask the medical assistant when you are taken to your exam room. We normally offer these vaccines to all patients coming in for appointments, whether or not they have asked for it ahead of time. Siblings may also receive the vaccines at the same time.

Even if you have previously declined a flu or Covid vaccine for your child, please consider this:

Influenza and COVID-19 are highly contagious respiratory viruses that can cause severe illness and even death in children. These vaccines are safe, effective, and can be given together and alongside other routine immunizations. Children should get their vaccines before the viruses start circulating in your community, preferably by the end of October (or sooner). Everyone around your children should be vaccinated, too.

Getting sick with the flu or Covid can be costly, possibly requiring doctor visits, hospital stays, and lost time from work to care for sick children. It is always better to prevent a disease than to have to treat it or live with the consequences of having it. Getting a vaccine each year is the BEST way to protect your children, their friends, and their family members, and most insurance plans cover the vaccine. If you have any questions about the flu or Covid vaccine, we encourage you to ask your child's physician. You may also visit the following links for more information on these two vaccines.

One Pediatrician. A Relationship That Grows With Your Child.

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 20:50:23 GMT

When your child sees the same pediatrician regularly, their doctor gets to know more than their medical history—they get to know your child. That familiarity helps build trust, recognize changes over time, and give your family more personalized care.

The pediatricians at JDC Pediatrics would like to encourage parents to schedule their child’s well visits with the same pediatrician whenever possible. Over time, that doctor gets to know your child’s growth, development, and individual needs, which can make each visit more personal and connected to their overall care.

Benefits for the Child:

When your child sees the same pediatrician regularly, this familiarity can make visits less intimidating, especially for young or anxious children, who will have the benefit of seeing that same, smiling face coming through the door each and every time you visit us. And, as children get older, an established relationship can make it easier to discuss sensitive or personal concerns. Parents and children receive ongoing advice that builds on previous conversations and goals.

Benefits for Parents:

Parents will also benefit from the familiarity of regular visits with the same pediatrician. Since the doctor already knows the child’s history, less time is needed to explain the backstory. The doctor can revisit any concerns discussed at earlier visits, and see how things have progressed. Parents will have the opportunity to develop a trusting relationship with someone who knows their family.

So, when it's time for your child's next well visit, we encourage you to schedule it with a doctor who has seen them before, knows their story, and can grow with your family!

Insurance Enrollment is in October... Will Yours Be Changing?

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 01:13:20 GMT

We are once again at that time of year when you or your employer may be selecting new insurance coverage for next year.

As a reminder, JDC Pediatrics does not participate with all insurance plans, and we strongly encourage you to research your benefits prior to enrolling in a new policy or enrolling with a new company. If you select an HMO plan, make sure that JDC Pediatrics is listed as the PCP. You can find a list of JDC's participating insurances here . Please call our billing office if you have any questions, or are not sure if we participate with a plan you are considering. It is better to check with us ahead of time, than to find out later that we are not a participating provider and have charges that you weren’t expecting.

RSV Immunization For Infants Will Be Available on 10/1

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 14:33:36 GMT

All infants younger than 8 months of age who are born during--or who are entering--their first RSV season (typically fall and winter) should have this immunization.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is one of the many viruses that cause respiratory illness. It spreads like a cold virus from person to person and is the most common cause of hospitalization in children under age 1 year. To prevent severe RSV disease in infants, an immunization called nirsevimab (brand name Beyfortus) can be given as an injection and may be included with or between your baby's routine immunizations.

The shot works a little differently than a vaccine. It provides antibodies that start working to protect babies right away. The protection lasts throughout a typical RSV season.

Some babies will be protected by a maternal RSV vaccine, given to the mother during pregnancy. Except in rare circumstances, most infants younger than 8 months of age do not need nirsevimab if they were born 14 or more days after their mother got an RSV vaccine.

RSV: When It's More Than Just a Cold

RSV Immunization Guidance for Infants and Young Children

Sports Physical: When, Where, Who Should Do It?

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 16:57:10 GMT

The form is due, what do you do? We've all been there. Paperwork piles up, and sports physicals sneak up on us just before our children's sport or activity begins.

To make life easier (and what parent wouldn't like that), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends asking to have a sports physical when scheduling your child's next routine well-child visit .

All middle-school through college kids benefit from a sports physical during well-child visit. The reason is simple: All kids are athletes―the high school soccer player, the junior high performer in the school musical and the skateboarding middle schooler down your block. You don't have to play an organized sport to be an athlete.

Many children participate in physically demanding activities like snowboarding, skiing, jogging, climbing and hiking. Other children are not physically active at all. All of these children should receive a sports physical from their pediatrician, also known as their medical home . The AAP is against mass physicals (such as in a school gymnasium) and using urgent care settings . These places often lack privacy and a healthcare provider who knows your child and has access to past medical records.

Read the full AAP article on Sports Physicals here.

If your child needs a physical form filled out by us, keep in mind the following requirements:

If your child has had a well visit within the last year.....

You will need to schedule a form visit appointment (call the office or schedule on our website), where a medical assistant will take vitals and update your child's health history. This is so that we can determine what, if any, changes may have occurred in your child's health since the last well visit. Before arriving for your appointment, please make sure all parental information on the form is completed . Many forms have a separate section for parents to complete, or an area where personal information such as name, address, phone numbers, etc. needs filled in. If this information is not completed before you leave the office, we cannot finish completion of the form. Once the form is completed (please allow a minimum of 48 hours), we will either return it to you securely through your patient portal, or you may pick it up in person at our office. If you prefer, when you provide a self-addressed, stamped envelope along with your form, we will mail it back to you. There is a $20 fee for form visits .

If your child has NOT had a well visit within the last year.....

You will need to schedule a well visit appointment (call the office or schedule on our website), and your form will be completed during that visit. Before arriving for your appointment, please make sure all parental information on the form is completed. Many forms have a separate section for parents to complete, or an area where personal information such as name, address, phone numbers, etc. needs filled in. This will save time during your visit and prevent any distractions from discussions with the doctor, etc. if this is done ahead of time. There is no form fee when the form is completed at the well visit.

Consumer Safety Alert: Squishy Toys

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 18:13:13 GMT

Consumer Safety Alert: CPSC Warns Consumers About Fake and Counterfeit Squishy Toys; Reiterates Warning About Serious Burn Hazards

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning consumers about fake and counterfeit squishy toys that may pose serious risks to children. CPSC is also reiterating its warning about serious burn hazards associated with a viral social media trend encouraging children and teens to microwave squishy toys.

Squishy toys — including popular animal, food, and character-shaped squeeze toys — are widely sold through online marketplaces, social media, discount stores, and other retailers. CPSC is aware of fake and counterfeit versions that do not comply with federal safety requirements for children’s toys, including requirements addressing water beads, small parts, lead, phthalates, and other hazardous substances.

Videos shared online may depict the toys expanding, changing texture, or bursting when heated. These demonstrations are dangerous and should never be attempted or imitated.

Read the full article here .

Measles Update: Is Your Child Vaccinated?

Sun, 28 Jun 2026 22:13:46 GMT

Measles outbreaks have been spreading across the U.S. since January 2025, and cases are now at their highest level in more than 30 years. Measles has been declared an emergency by the PA Department of Health in several nearby counties, including Lancaster, York, Dauphin, and Lebanon. We are actively monitoring the situation and taking steps to ensure vaccine availability.

The MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine is now available in our office, and appointments may be scheduled online or by calling our office. Getting vaccinated is the best protection against the virus, providing 97 percent lifetime protection after two doses.

MMR Vaccine Guidelines During an Outbreak

Children must be at least 6 months old to receive the MMR vaccine.
Ages 6-12 months:
An early dose can be given.
This dose does not count towards the routine series .
Your child will still need two additional doses after their first birthday.
Ages 12-15 months:
The first routine MMR dose is typically given at the 12–15-month visit.
If your child has not yet had their 12-month visit, you may schedule an early vaccine visit.
Ages 12 months to 4 years:
The second dose can be given earlier than usual during this outbreak period.
The second dose must be given at least 28 days after the first dose .

For more information on measles please see the following resources:

Measles Outbreaks: Common Questions & How to Protect Your Child

Measles: What Parents Need to Know

Protecting Your Baby From a Measles Outbreak

PA Department of Health

Our Position on Childhood Immunizations - PLEASE READ!

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 18:28:09 GMT

To Our Patient Families:

We are aware of the recent changes to the federal (CDC) immunization schedule which shifted several vaccines - including those for Hepatitis B, Rotavirus, and Meningitis - to a "shared decision-making" category.

As a pediatric practice dedicated to the long-term health and safety of your children, we want to clarify our stance: JDC Pediatrics will continue to follow the comprehensive immunization schedule recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Why We Follow the AAP Schedule:

* Evidence-Based Safety: The AAP's schedule protects children against 17+ dangerous diseases. These recommendations are based on decades of peer-reviewed data and clinical trials.

* Protection for the Vulnerable: Our waiting rooms are home to newborns and immunocompromised children. Following a complete vaccine schedule ensures that our office remains a safe environment for everyone.

* Clinical Consensus: The AAP remains the primary clinical authority for pediatricians; it continues to support these vaccines as "essential" and has noted that the recent CDC changes reflect a departure from evidence-based medicine and it has explicitly rejected the new CDC "Core 11" framework.

Our Relationship with Families:

We believe that a trusting partnership between a pediatrician and a parent is vital for a child's well-being. This trust is built on a shared commitment to evidence-based preventative care.

Because we view the AAP-recommended vaccines as the medical standard of care, our practice requires all patients to adhere to the full AAP immunization schedule. We respect that parents want the best for their children, but we cannot provide care that falls below what we believe to be the safest clinical standard. Families who choose to decline or significantly delay these essential vaccines will be asked to find a provider whose philosophy better aligns with their preferences.

We are always happy to discuss the science and safety of any vaccine with you during your child's visit.

AAP Opposes Federal Health Officials' Unprecedented Move to Remove Universal Childhood Immunization Recommendations

AAP Releases Its Own Evidenced-Based Immunization Schedule

All About the AAP Recommended Immunization Schedule

Vaccines Your Child Needs by Age 6

Introducing Express Care Appointments at JDC!

Sun, 22 Jun 2025 20:54:16 GMT

We know how important it is to get quick, convenient care when your child isn't feeling their best. That's why we are now offering Express Care appointments, which you can schedule online through our website simply by clicking on the "Make an Appointment" button. There is no need to log in to your portal account . Appointments are available on weekdays at both our Enola and Camp Hill locations. Weekend appointments are available at our Enola location only.

Express Care appointments are available for only the following concerns:

Ear pain
Insect bites
Pink eye
Upper respiratory concerns including ear, throat, or sinus infection (without signs of respiratory distress)
Sore throat
Fever (3 months of age and older)
GI upset that started in the past 2-3 days

Here’s how it works:

Scheduling appointments online are limited — first come, first served, and are available at either of our locations (except for weekends, during which appointments are only available at Enola)..
Click on the " Make an Appointment " button in the upper right hand corner of this page. When scheduling, please select "All Providers".
If a different type of visit would better suit your child’s needs, please call our team to assist in scheduling.

We’re here to provide the care your family needs—quickly and compassionately!