- Pediatrics, Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAs COVID cases in children continue to rise — and the delta variant continues to spread — health experts are cheering on the latest vaccine developments, including the possibility of a lower-dose vaccine that may be ready for kids age five to 11 in a matter of weeks. Aside from getting us one step closer to stopping the unprecedented spread of the virus, there’s no question what it will also mean when it comes to keeping our kiddos in school. But what should you know as a parent? How COVID affects kids At the beginning of the pandemic, it seemed children didn’t get COVID as much as adults. However, over time, the number of kids infected has risen sharply. In fact, children now account for about a quarter of the weekly reported cases in the U.S., according to data from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Most cases in kids are mild. But researchers are still studying how the virus could affect their long-term health. And with children in schools, sports, extracurricular and social activities, getting them vaccinated could go a long way in helping slow outbreaks of the virus in the community, reduce sick days from illness and days out of school exposure to COVID. How the vaccine works Vaccines are already available for children 12 and over. However, clinical trials were needed for those under the age of 12 to 5 years of age to ensure they’ll be safe and effective for younger kids, whose bodies work differently. A recent announcement from Pfizer explains that their vaccine for younger kids uses a smaller dose than the vaccine for adults and teens (10 micrograms compared to 30 micrograms), given 21 days apart. Their trial showed that kids had a strong immune response on par with those in the 16 to 25 age group after getting their second dose. They also had similar side effects, which were mild. The Pfizer trial included more than 2,000 children. Both vaccines must now go through a review process from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) before being given to the public. And health officials have been eager for this to happen, especially with the latest Delta variant statistics. There’s also good news for parents of children under five who are waiting for a vaccine for their little ones. Researchers say it could be ready for our youngest set of kids later this year. When your child can get it We expect final approval for the vaccine for kids age five to 11 in the coming weeks. And officials are hopeful that children could start getting their shots as early as Halloween. Where to find help if you need it Vaccines are our best shot at ending the pandemic and getting back to freely enjoying time with our friends and families. Making sure your family gets vaccinated puts us one step closer to reaching that goal. And while that seems easy, these are stressful and uncertain times. It’s normal to have questions, and we always want to make sure you find all the information you need to feel comfortable with your health decisions. Your child’s pediatrician is a great place to start. You can also visit our FAQs at any time for help with general vaccine information. Let’s put an end to the spread — together. Authors Lauren Fitzpatrick, MD, is medical director of the Pediatric Emergency Department and Inpatient Unit, Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center Asha Payne, MD, is medical director of the Children’s National Emergency Department at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center.
- Community, Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogTwo shots at once? Last year, we had a very mild flu season: A combination of stay-at-home orders, mask mandates, travel restrictions, and other COVID-19 control measures kept flu cases at bay. In fact, there was a 98% decrease in the number of hospitalizations between Oct. 1, 2020 and Jan. 30, 2021 compared to the same time the previous year. That seems like a good thing, right? While it certainly helped get us through an already difficult time, it may have done us a disservice for this upcoming season. You see, every time we’re exposed to the flu virus, our bodies get a little better fighting it off. But because so many of us didn’t get sick last season, we’re left a little more vulnerable to the flu than in years past. And researchers believe we’re likely in for a rough flu season – on top of new COVID-19 variants that continue to spread rapidly through our communities. The solution? Get your flu shot. Even better: Get your COVID-19 vaccine (or booster) at the same time. It’s safe, effective and convenient. The history of the flu shot Vaccinations against the seasonal flu first became widespread in the U.S. in 1945 – nearly 12 years after the influenza virus had been identified and 27 years since the Spanish Flu swept across the country. Those vaccinations continue to save lives and prevent serious complications. In 2019-2020 alone, the flu vaccine prevented: 52 million influenza illnesses 69 million doctor’s visits 105,000 hospitalizations 6,300 deaths If you’re still on the fence about a flu shot, consider: Experts are concerned this flu season could be particularly bad. Natural immunity may be down. Mask mandates and most travel restrictions have been lifted. School and workplaces are shifting back to in-person hours. This combination could lead to an especially busy flu season for health systems already caring for many COVID-19 patients. Flu shots are safe and effective. The numbers alone tell the story of how effective flu is at preventing serious illness. The most common side effects — a sore arm and tenderness at the injection site — are worth getting an illness that can cause symptoms for a week or longer. Most individuals are eligible. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that almost everyone, ages six months and older, receive an annual flu vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine is safe The flu vaccine isn’t the only one to consider this fall. If you’ve been hesitant to get a COVID-19 vaccine, it’s okay. Here are a few reasons you can be confident that the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and very effective at preventing serious illness: 185 million individuals have been vaccinated in the U.S. (a number continues to climb every day). Serious side effects have been very rare, and research continues to prove the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine. 34 billion doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been given around the world. As more countries and individuals have access to vaccine, that will grow even more. The COVID-19 vaccines are effective. Vaccines effectiveness among adults without immunocompromised conditions ranged from 93% to 71%. Those numbers are significant, consider one study found that the flu shot reduced the risk of hospitalization by 41% in a primarily older population. Save time. Get the COVID-19 vaccine and flu shot at once. No one likes the idea of getting one shot, let alone two. So why not get it all over with at the same time? After all, the CDC suggests that getting a flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time is perfectly safe. You may have two arms sore instead of one, but in just one trip you can be on your way to staying healthy and strong this flu season. Still, we know it can feel overwhelming to navigate the latest information when it comes to COVID-19 and the seasonal flu. Know that your medical provider and we’re here – right by your side – to guide you to answers, reassurance and peace of mind for your good health. Authors Jean Murray, is director of Infection Prevention and Epidemiology
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLuminis Health has earned the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) 2021 CHIME Digital Health Most Wired recognition. Luminis Health is being honored for applying core and advanced technologies into its clinical and business programs to improve health and care in the communities it serves. “The pandemic has served as a catalyst for technological improvements in healthcare,” said Saad Chaudhry, chief information officer for Luminis Health. “Our teams have risen to the challenge and have done amazing work the past two years, from improving our systems posture with new innovations, to technology infrastructure and cybersecurity. We are on a journey to transform the patient experience while creating efficiencies for our workforce, and this recognition (from CHIME) is proof of our progress.” “Digital transformation in healthcare has accelerated to an unprecedented level since 2020, and the next few years will bring a wave of innovation that empowers healthcare consumers and will astound the industry,” said CHIME President and CEO Russell P. Branzell. “The Digital Health Most Wired program recognizes the outstanding digital leaders who have paved the way for this imminent revolution in healthcare. Their trailblazing commitment to rapid transformation has set an example for the entire industry in how to pursue a leadership vision with determination, brilliant planning and courage to overcome all challenges.” The 2021 Digital Health Most Wired program includes four separate surveys: acute, ambulatory, long-term care and international acute. The surveys assessed the adoption, integration and impact of technologies in healthcare organizations at all stages of development, from early development to industry leading. Participants received certification based on their overall performance, with level 10 being the highest.
- Pediatrics, Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogHugs and kisses, diaper changes and snuggles — caring for babies and toddlers is often hands-on, up close and personal. But since we know that even little ones can get and transmit COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), what’s the best way to keep your family healthy? Here are a few suggestions. Avoid germ-sharing when you can Young children often explore the world with their hands and mouths, and regularly come in close contact with their other family members. That means they’re not only likely to pick up all kinds of viruses through their activities; it also means they are very likely to spread it. In fact, a recent study found that once infected with COVID, babies and kids up to age three had higher odds of transmitting the virus to other members of their household than older kids. To help protect your baby: Don’t let people outside your household kiss or hold your baby Limit visitors to your home and avoid trips to crowded places When you have to go out in public, drape a light blanket over your baby’s carrier or stroller To help toddlers dodge extra germs: Choose outdoor gatherings when possible Make sure visitors are healthy and wash their hands before interacting with your child Pack extra toys for playdates so you can always have clean ones on hand Wipe down grocery store cart handles before placing your child in the seat Talk to your childcare providers In daycare settings, it’s not usually possible to keep physical distance between young children. And since kids under two shouldn’t wear masks, talk to your care providers about how to layer prevention plans. Some strategies you might ask about include: If there are lots of children at your daycare, your provider might be able to place kids into smaller groups or cohorts to stay with throughout the day. This practice limits how many other kids and staff your child gets close to on an everyday basis. Disease-control best practices. Find out what steps your daycare takes to avoid virus transmission, in addition to handwashing and cleaning practices. For example, they might be able to place nap mats head-to-toe while sleeping, improve ventilation with window fans, allow more space between children at mealtimes or move drop-off and pick-up outdoors. Sick-child policy. Kids and staff who show symptoms of COVID should stay home to avoid spreading illness. Your daycare can also designate an isolation area where kiddos showing symptoms can play while they wait for their parents. Keep it healthy at home Our best protection against severe COVID illness is to be fully vaccinated, so all members of your family who are eligible for the vaccine should get it. There are also other steps you can take: When breastfeeding. Mothers can pass along immune benefits to their babies through breast milk, so consider breastfeeding or pumping breastmilk for bottles if it’s an option for your family. During doctor’s visits. Keep up with well visits and vaccines at your pediatrician’s office. Many doctors take steps to limit contact between well and sick kids. Especially for babies and toddlers, it’s essential to have regular check-ups and stay on your child’s vaccine schedule. When around others. Encourage all members of your family and older siblings to keep up with good handwashing routines. Key times include when you get home and before mealtimes. Also, remind everyone in your home to cough and sneeze into their elbow and throw away soiled tissues. And keep sick family members separated from healthy ones when possible. Right now, it makes sense to take these precautions. Luckily, most cases of COVID in children are mild. However, some children have experienced more serious complications. These measures will also help you steer clear of other respiratory viruses, like RSV, which can turn into a severe illness. Every year, nearly 60,000 children under five are hospitalized due to RSV infection. The littlest members of your family are worth protecting. If you think your baby or toddler has virus symptoms or might be sick with COVID or RSV, call your pediatrician for advice. Authors Lauren Fitzpatrick, MD, medical director of the Pediatric Emergency Department and Inpatient Unit, Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center Suzanne Rindfleisch, DO, director of Newborn Services, Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center
- Community, News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLuminis Health has released a bold plan to become a national model for justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI). The groundwork for the plan began in 2020 with the formation of the health system’s HEART Force, a multidisciplinary group consisting of members of the boards of trustees, senior leaders, medical staff, community partners and stakeholders. The events of the year 2020 prompted Luminis Health to assess data and information to identify greater opportunity to affect change through addressing the effects of systemic inequity, and dismantling structural injustice. “The future of health equity calls for organizations like ours to take bold action to dismantle structural and social drivers of ethnic disparities in all of its forms. Luminis Health is committed to exactly that,” said Victoria Bayless, CEO of Luminis Health. “These recommendations will be intentionally woven into who we are as a system and a part of what we do every day to better serve our workforce, and enhance the health of our patients and communities.” The recommendations are structured by three major categories: Lead as an inclusive organization, confront and eradicate inequities in health care. Enhance culturally informed communications and community collaboration. Measure and integrate accountability. The recommendations outline ten strategic approaches to begin tackling these challenges: Confront inequities and embody principles of an inclusive organization in policy, culture and performance. Eliminate health disparities and improve health outcomes of diverse communities. Become a trusted partner in diverse communities through a formalized community network. Become a diversity, equity and inclusion thought leader in Maryland and in health care nationally by hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. Establish culturally customized care as the formal standard of quality. Share the Luminis Health JEDI journey with diverse populations by incorporating into the Luminis Health brand. Extend current diversity, equity and inclusion reporting and programs effectively across the system. Establish minority business enterprise/supplier diversity goals and partner with local minority businesses, vendors and suppliers. Develop a sustainable accountability model. Integrate specific JEDI focus into the board governance structure. Put forth by Luminis Health’s HEART Force, co-chaired by Dr. Randy Rowel, associate professor and director of the Why Culture Matters Disaster Studies Project at Morgan State University, and Alicia Wilson, social justice advocate, the recommendations were unanimously approved by the boards of trustees and adopted by the health system in June. “The time is now for swift and progressive action to confront and eradicate inequities in health care and beyond,” said Tamiko Stanley, vice president and chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer at Luminis Health. “At Luminis Health, we are committed to comprehensively evaluating our processes, policies, and practices to move toward meaningful change within our organization and in the communities we serve. Driven by accountability and transparency, our plan will light Luminis Health’s path to the next level of excellence in our diversity, equity, inclusion and justice journey.” “These pervasive and systemic issues require multiple, simultaneous and ongoing actions to eliminate them,” said Reverend Stephen Tillett, of Asbury Broadneck Methodist Church and HEART Force member. “By adopting these 10 bold recommendations, Luminis Health can put into motion a new and lasting plan to guide the changes that we must undertake to foster a space for equity to prevail.” Adopting the recommendations represents a step forward in Luminis Health’s ongoing diversity and inclusion journey. This year, Luminis Health’s LGBTQIA and African-American Business Resource Groups earned the DiversityFirst Top 50 Employee Resource Group Award by the National Diversity Council for commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and communities. In 2020, the health system received the American Organization for Nursing Leadership’s Prism Award for advancing diversity efforts within the nursing profession, community and organization. Luminis Health is also recognized as a “Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality” after earning a perfect score of 100 on the most recent Healthcare Equality Index (HEI). In 2019, the health system was bestowed one of the highest honors in health equity with the American Hospital Association’s Carolyn Boone Lewis Equity of Care Award for outstanding efforts to advance equity of care to all patients, and to spread lessons learned and progress toward achieving health equity. Luminis Health was also the first health care organization in the nation to host a local chapter of Coming to the Table, an employee circle group designed to promote open, candid conversations about race, cultural differences and discussion around ways to understand and mitigate unconscious bias. “We recognize injustices are harmful and complex problems, but we intend to address them directly, intentionally, and relentlessly through our daily work and our Vision 2030,” continued Bayless.
How can we help?
Common Searches
Common Searches
Log in with MyChart
Access personalized site features & view your health records.
Learn more about MyChartDon’t have a MyChart account?
Your Account
View your Dashboard
Messages
Billing Summary
Find Care
Schedule Appointment
My Care Team
My Record
Appointments
Medications
Insurance Summary
Log in with MyChart
Access personalized site features & view your health records.
Learn more about MyChartDon’t have a MyChart account?