American Academy of Pediatrics

Recent data show that 280,000 children entered kindergarten last year without protection from the MMR vaccine. As misleading vaccine information continues to spread, families deserve access to trusted, evidence-based health information to make the best decisions for their children. Pediatricians can help answer any questions parents may have about measles and AAP’s vaccine schedule this school year.  https://wapo.st/4guozTm

Studies show that excessive social media use has been linked to anxiety, depression, body image issues, eating disorders and other mental health concerns. Some red flags that your child might be dealing with problematic social media use include lying about their scrolling habits, anxiety or irritability when they’re away from their phone, compulsive checking, and changes in their grades, sleep or relationships. In a recent segment on ABC News, Dr. Alok Patel shared tips for helping your teen build a healthier relationship with social media. For more tips on building healthy digital habits, visit aap.org/socialmedia.

In this special episode of Pediatrics On Call, hosts Dr. Joanna Parga-Belinkie and Dr. David Hill talk with AAP president-elect candidates Dr. Wanda Barfield and Dr. Lois Lee about the future of pediatrics, building trust with families, and advocating for children in a today’s policy environment. Listen to hear more about their priorities and vision for the AAP before voting opens next week: https://bit.ly/3UbNceS

One death from a disease we can prevent is one too many. Measles is highly contagious and can lead to severe illness, hospitalization, and even death, especially in young children. Vaccination remains the best way to protect against measles. Recent outbreaks have largely occurred among people who were not vaccinated, underscoring the importance of staying current on recommended immunizations. Read more about ongoing measles outbreaks from The Washington Post: https://wapo.st/4zKqryU

Measles is especially worrisome for babies and children, as the virus can make kids seriously ill and wipe out immune memory of other harmful viruses and bacteria (known as immune amnesia). This side effect happens when the measles virus attacks the memory cells in the immune system. Recent measles outbreaks have primarily affected people who were not vaccinated, underscoring the importance of staying up to date on immunizations. The MMR vaccine provides strong protection against measles and helps keep children and communities healthy. Learn more about measles: https://bit.ly/4vYD9bh

A statement from AAP President Dr. Andrew Racine on measles deaths in Pennsylvania: “We were deeply saddened to receive the report of two measles-related deaths in Pennsylvania today, reminding all of us that measles remains a serious and potentially deadly disease. The families and communities suffering from this unimaginable loss deserve our love and support. In 2026, decades after measles was eliminated in the United States, it is heartbreaking to witness deaths from a disease that is preventable with a vaccine that has been widely used since the 1970s. Today, pediatricians call on our leaders to encourage MMR vaccination to stop the spread of measles in our communities. Let us return to a time when measles was a disease pediatricians only saw in their textbooks, not in their exam rooms.” Read the full statement: https://bit.ly/4gjUGoz

A federal judge has appointed pediatrician Dr. Paul H. Wise as an independent monitor of immigrant detention facilities amid accusations children are not receiving the proper care. The order comes in response to accusations that conditions in DHS facilities where children are held, including the Dilley Family Detention Center in Texas, are not meeting the requirements of the Flores Settlement Agreement (FSA), which set standards on the treatment and release of immigrant children in immigration custody. Families have raised issues like inadequate medical care including sick children receiving only acetaminophen or ibuprofen for various medical needs and a 10-year-old with a heart murmur who waited nearly 60 days to see a cardiologist. They also have reported prolonged detention periods, “freezing” temperatures, lights remaining on all night and no access to soap. Dr. Wise will monitor issues like children’s time in custody, living conditions and access to medical care for at least a year. Read more in AAP News: https://bit.ly/4qCAUrY

A new AAP policy emphasizes the long-lasting impacts child detention has on child growth and development well after release.  In the policy, AAP says the reception process needs a re-design to include rapid transfer out of CBP custody, more comprehensive health screenings, trauma-informed care and more. Read more about the new policy in AAP News: https://lnkd.in/eyBf5juy

Join national experts for a Trauma-Informed Pediatric Care and Resilience Promotion ECHO! Project ECHO is a virtual learning program that connects health care providers through expert-led didactic and case‐based presentations, embracing an “all learn, all teach” approach. Participants will gain practical knowledge and skills to identify, manage, and respond to childhood trauma while promoting resilience among children, parents, and their families. This ECHO will be held weekly from 2:00 – 3:00 pm CT from September 8 through October 20, 2026. CME/MOC Part 4 credits available! Register today: https://bit.ly/3Uanur4

For nearly a century, the AAP has worked to improve children's health, safety, and well-being. Since our founding in the 1930s, the AAP has been on the frontlines of advancing policies to promote children’s health, safety, and optimal development. This August, as My Why focuses on innovation, we’re highlighting how creativity, science and advocacy come together to meet the needs of every generation of children — and how today’s ideas can become tomorrow’s milestones in child health. Browse our interactive timeline to explore AAP’s progress in innovation and see how each milestone has helped move pediatrics forward. https://bit.ly/4gGz85H