Flu Vaccine Appointment Scheduling Is OPEN!
It’s that time again…back to school, Eagles games and flu shots!
Getting an annual seasonal flu vaccine is one of the most effective things you can do to protect your kids this fall and winter. Unfortunately, the flu is more severe in kids under five and can lead to hospitalizations and ER visits. A flu vaccine decreases the risk of hospitalization and ICU admissions and helps decrease the severity and duration of illness.
As in years past, caregivers can request to have the flu vaccine administered during your child’s already scheduled well visit. Just let the front desk staff know when you arrive for your appointment. Otherwise, you can self-schedule flu vaccine appointments on our website.
Protect Your Child From RSV
Beyfortus (RSV) immunizations have arrived, and we will begin administering them on October 1st to all eligible patients. Infants are eligible if they are under 8 months of age and the birth parent did not receive the vaccine during pregnancy (or if the pregnancy dose was less than 2 weeks prior to delivery).
If you already have an appointment scheduled, you do not need to contact us. Simply let the front desk know when you arrive that you wish to have Beyfortus administered during your child’s visit. Unsure? Your provider can share additional details during your appointment.
For those that do not have an appointment scheduled before the day your child turns 8 months of age, please contact your preferred location by phone to schedule a visit.
Measles Update
Unfortunately, Pennsylvania is now ranked 3rd in the current nationwide Measles outbreak! This dubious podium position is the result of widespread vaccine hesitancy as 2 MMR vaccines after age 1 confer close to 100% protection for your child.
Per PA Health Department recommendations, we are now encouraging all children over the age of 1 who have not received 2 vaccines to schedule an appointment and discuss this with your provider. A second dose can also be obtained at an upcoming well-visit if planned already.
Typically, the 2nd vaccine is administered at age 4, but it can be given 1 month after the first vaccine, which is recommended at the 1-Year Visit.
If your child is between 6 months and 1 year AND you are traveling to an area with known active cases (not currently Philadelphia), an early vaccine (Dose Zero) can be given, but this does not count towards the 2-dose series which begins at age 1.
Co-pay Versus Non Co-pay Vaccine Visits
Center City Pediatrics offers “Vaccine Only Visits” for flu shots, covid shots, and missed vaccines when the vaccine has been delayed, after discussion, because a medical concern was noted during the Well-Visit that precluded giving the shot. Most insurance carriers do not require a co-pay for these “Vaccine Only Visits.”
IF A SEPARATE APPOINTMENT IS MADE FOR A VACCINE THAT IS DELAYED FOR ANY OTHER REASON OR FOR “SHARED DECISION MAKING” VACCINE ADMINISTRATION, INSURANCE CARRIERS REQUIRE THIS TO BE BILLED AS A REGULAR VISIT THAT REQUIRES A CO-PAY.
This includes RSV shot visits and MMR administration visits when the shot is being given outside of our typical recommended vaccine schedule. Please call our Billing Department if you have questions about this policy.
New Workshops at CCP This Fall
We are excited to announce 2 new workshops being added to our calendar right in time for Back to School!
As always, our workshops are open to the public – so please share with your friends and neighbors even if they are not CCP families. All workshops require advance registration on our website. Check out the class calendar for more information, fees and registration links.
From Summer Brain to School Brain: Making the Back-to-School Transition Easier for ADHD Families
The transition from summer to school can be challenging for any family—but for children and teens with ADHD, the sudden increase in schedules, expectations, transitions, and executive-functioning demands can make the start of the school year especially difficult.
ADHD and Executive Functioning Coach Hannah Bookbinder, LSW, M.Ed. will explain what happens when the ADHD brain shifts from “summer mode” to “school mode” and share age-appropriate strategies for families with children from elementary through high school to ease the transition.
Being offered virtually on Wednesday, September 16th at 7:30pm
Boundaries, Limits, and Consequences, Oh My!: Foundations of Effective Discipline
Discipline is one of the most challenging aspects of parenting—for both new and experienced parents. Parents wonder—Am I being too strict? Too lenient? What’s the best way to respond?
In this interactive workshop, led by Gabrielle Grode, Parent Coach, parents will learn 6 core principles to guide thoughtful and effective discipline and will explore applying these principles to their unique families and parenting style. Through engaging activities and open discussion, parents will gain practical strategies, build confidence in their decision-making, and leave feeling empowered.
Being offered virtually on Wednesday, October 7th at 7pm
Help Us Build Our Lending Library
Please consider donating a gently used children’s book for our South Street Library during the month of September!
Books can be loved, but should not be missing pages or otherwise damaged. Any reading level is welcomed, but no adult books please.
We cannot accept book donations at Bala or Fishtown at this time – South Street only please! Just give it to the receptionist when you check in for your appointment.
Thank you!
Fall Workshops Now Enrolling!
Parent education workshops are in full swing at our South Street and *Bala Cynwyd locations. As always, our workshops are fully open to the community – you do not need to be a patient of our practice to participate – though, advance registration is required.
Visit our website for details, facilitator bios and registration links. A few highlights this spring:
From Summer Brain to School Brain: Making the Back-to-School Transition Easier for ADHD Families
The transition from summer to school can be challenging for any family—but for children and teens with ADHD, the sudden increase in schedules, expectations, transitions, and executive-functioning demands can make the start of the school year especially difficult. Learn age-appropriate strategies for families with children from elementary through high school shifting from “summer mode” to “school mode”. Parents will learn how to ease the transition, create routines that actually work, reduce morning and homework battles, build independence without removing needed support, and respond more effectively when their child becomes overwhelmed.
Wednesday, September 16: 7:30pm VIRTUAL
Boundaries, Limits, and Consequences, Oh My: Foundations of Effective Discipline
Discipline is one of the most challenging aspects of parenting—for both new and experienced parents. Parents wonder—Am I being too strict? Too lenient? What’s the best way to respond?
In this interactive workshop, led by Gabrielle Grode, Parent Coach, parents will learn 6 core principles to guide thoughtful and effective discipline and will explore applying these principles to their unique families and parenting style. Through engaging activities and open discussion, parents will gain practical strategies, build confidence in their decision-making, and leave feeling empowered.
Wednesday, October 7: 7pm VIRTUAL
FREE Speech & Language Screenings
We are pleased to partner with Thomas Jefferson University’s Department of Speech-Language Pathology to offer free speech & language screenings at our South Street location, available to children from birth through 21 years of age. Each screening will be conducted by graduate students currently training in the SLP Master’s program and fully supervised by licensed speech-language pathologists from the university. This includes dedicated time for education on speech and language development, with opportunities to ask questions and receive recommendations, if needed.
Monday, November 2: 30 minute appointments between 9am – 12noon
Wednesday, November 11: 30 minute appointments between 9am – 12noon
Infant & Toddler CPR
This Family and Friends CPR course is taught by our own Courtney Conway, a certified American Red Cross CPR instructor, and is designed to prepare caregivers for emergencies such as choking, cardiac arrest, and respiratory distress in infants and young children. The class is fast-paced and discussion-based to ensure participants gain confidence and mastery of the material, so we recommend arranging childcare in advance. The cost is $65 per caregiver and space is limited.
Saturday, September 12: 9:30am – 11am
*Sunday, September 13: 9:30am – 11am
Monday, September 14: 6pm – 7pm
Babysitting Basics for Tweens & Teens
For tweens and teens (11-17 years old) interested in babysitting, this course is a great way to build skills and prepare for summer employment. It covers essential topics such as caring for infants and children, staying safe, handling emergencies, managing behaviors, and choosing age-appropriate activities. Participants will also learn hands-on childcare skills including feeding, holding, and diapering, along with basic CPR and choking response techniques. The cost is $90 per student and siblings must be registered individually, as space is limited.
Saturday, September 12: 11am – 12:30pm
*Sunday, September 13: 11am – 12:30pm
Come Meet Us – Prenatal Information Sessions
If you’re expecting, we’re expecting you! Join us for a prenatal information session.
South Street: Alternating Mondays (live & virtual)
Bala Cynwyd: 2nd Tuesday of every month (virtual)
Fishtown: 3rd Wednesday of every month (virtual)
