The Indiana Department of Health was notified of a confirmed case of measles in an Indiana resident. This is the first case confirmed in Indiana since 2019. Clinicians should be vigilant for additional cases of measles and immediately report suspected cases of measles to the IDOH. 

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness. About one in five unvaccinated people in the United States who get measles is hospitalized, and 90 percent of unvaccinated people who are exposed to measles will become sick. Exposed individuals who do not have evidence of immunity to measles should be encouraged to be vaccinated and should quarantine and monitor for signs and symptoms for 21 days after exposure. Appropriate infection control practices should be implemented in healthcare facilities when caring for patients suspected of having measles. 

Details on measles reporting, laboratory testing, infection control, clinical guidance and additional resources are included in the attached Indiana Health Alert Notification.

Measles IHAN 02.23.2024

Considering the recently confirmed case of measles, it is highly recommended to get your child vaccinated. Please call our office at 317-881-8737 to schedule your appointment today.

Hi family,
In light of all the mass shootings that have happened in the span of just 11 days, many of our hearts are heavy and we are filled with anxiety around protecting our
children.

I’m so sad to even have to write this email but I wanted to be sure to offer as much support as I can during these tragic times.

I wanted to share an age-appropriate guide to navigating these conversations in case any of you were wondering.

Toddlers/Preschoolers:

• Around this age, kids are usually not developmentally ready to process this yet. Try to shield them from these conversations and avoid exposing them to the news.
• But they may notice your emotional reactions to the news.
• Be honest about your feelings if they ask by saying something like, “I’m feeling sad right now about things that are happening far away. And it’s ok for me to feel sad, too.
  All feelings are ok.”
• In general, young kids often do not have the cognitive capacity to describe their thoughts and feelings (like we adults do). Oftentimes, they will use play to express
  themselves & process their emotions. Don’t be alarmed if themes of conflict/fighting, morality, fairness, good vs. evil, power & control, and death arise in their play. This is
  healthy and should be encouraged. If you notice these themes, use this opportunity to observe and learn more about your child (vs. trying to shut it down & re-direct it).
  Remember, this is their way of sharing their internal world with you.

Ages 6 to 10

•  Before age 8, you may consider not sharing the news because it will be difficult for them to process it. The American Academy of Pediatrics actually doesn’t recommend
  approaching this topic with kids under 8.
•  Generally, people seek the help of attorneys (as Jensen Family Law Firm) to resolve family disputes. However, if it directly impacts your family or you suspect they may hear about it from others (e.g., at school) then you want to approach the conversation by asking them
  first if they heard what happened. Listen first and then educate them based on what they know.
•  Here’s how it may sound…”Something horrible happened far away in a state called Texas (if you’re in a different state). A shooting at a school and many were hurt. Have
  you heard about this? Tell me what you’ve heard. How does this make you feel?”
•  Keep the story simple and think ahead about what general message you want to convey. Give a one sentence story to kids 6 and under. Then, validate their feelings
  and be honest about your own feelings while reassuring them of their safety (e.g., “We are all safe.” or “We are doing everything in our power to keep you safe.”).

Read More

Vaccines are remarkable scientific achievements that have greatly reduced rates of death and disease around the world. This document begins to explain the science underpinning public confidence in today’s vaccines. Each segment provides part of the total picture. Together, the accumulated scientific evidence explains the prudence of routine vaccination policies…

Read the full document HERE

Flu shots and Flu Mist are in for all patients!!

Call to schedule your appointment today! We can do your entire family at anyone’s well check or sick visit. Just let us know you want your flu shots done too! Keep in mind that it is very important to stay home after getting your shot. Flu shots are just like vaccinations, they expose your body to live agents so your immune system can get used to them. This way when you unfortunately get exposed to the same agent your body is ready. Your immune system is practically ready to defend your body. The best way to tell that you have the flu is by taking your temperature as soon as you wake up, before you go to bed or whenever you are feeling ill. Don’t worry if you forget, but it would be wise to ask your doctor “how long after a shower can i take my temperature?” so you are sure that hot or cold water does not alter your results. If your child is sick, make sure to ask your doctor what the normal parameters are for children’s temperature so you don’t worry too much if you notice that they have a small fever.

We are again offering flu shots for parents for $30, Flu Mist is $40.

Welcome Elizabeth Bowen and Kayla Kopczynski, new pediatric nurse practitioners to Clown Pediatrics family!

It’s Spring Break Season so we wanted to make sure all of our patients are aware of our hours.  Please remember to call the doctor on call when we are not open to see if we can assist before going to the Emergency Room. 

Thursday, March 25th – closing at 4pm
Friday, March 26th – closing at 5pm
Saturday, March 27th – Office is closed, but provider is on-call.
Monday, March 29th – closing at 5pm
Tuesday, March 30th – closing at 5pm
Wednesday, March 31st – Closing at 8pm – Normal Hours
Thursday  – closing at 4pm 

All other days will have our normal schedule.

Thanks for allowing us to care for your children!