Last fall, many of you took time to complete our annual patient satisfaction survey.  Based on your feedback, we learned:

We received many compliments and suggestions for improvement.  We’ve acted on a few that we would like to share with you:

“Please set up online scheduling.  The only improvement to your office is the ability to schedule appointments online.”

• This year, flu shots can be scheduled online through our patient portal. Patients log in to the portal, view available times and select what works best for their schedule!

“It would be super helpful to have reminder calls when it is time to schedule a well child check.  As parents, we often lose track of when those things are actually due to happen.”

• Our staff now does outreach before every patient is due for their annual well child check.  Parents will receive a call from a member of our staff to schedule these important visits.

Starting October 1^st of this year, families will receive an email invitation to complete this survey again.  Here at Sunset, we really value your opinion and appreciate honest feedback.  We want to continue to provide our families with the best care possible and your feedback really helps us to do that.

All families that complete a survey will be entered to win an Applie IPad 32GB or a $100 Target gift card drawn on November 15th.

The single best way to protect your children from the flu is to get them vaccinated each year.

Flu season is almost here.  Sunset’s flu clinic will begin Monday, September 18^th.  You will be able to schedule your children’s Flu shots on our patient portal starting Tuesday, September 5^th!   To request portal access, fill out the forms found here.  You can also give us a call at 503-296-7800 to set up an appointment for your children.

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses.  Children, especially those younger than 5 years, are at higher risk for serious flu-related complications. The flu vaccine offers the best defense against getting the flu and spreading it to others. Getting vaccinated can reduce flu illnesses, doctor’s visits, missed work and school days, and prevent flu-related hospitalizations.

The flu is most common during the fall and winter. Most of the time flu activity peaks between December and February.

Here are some signs and symptoms of the flu to keep an eye out for:

• Fever* or feeling feverish/chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue (very tired)
• Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

*It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.

The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get a seasonal flu vaccine. 

Based on recommendation by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), we are not offering Flu Mist for the 2017-2018 Flu season.

Read more about preventing the flu here.

This blog is not a substitute for medical advice. Be sure to talk to your child’s medical provider with any questions.

It’s National Infant Immunization Week! Sunset Pediatrics believes that all children should receive the recommended vaccines according to the guidelines provided by the AAP and the CDC. Vaccines are safe and effective in preventing diseases and health complications in children and young adults. Check out our Patient Resources page to see our Immunization Schedule and make sure your kiddo is up to date.

You work hard to help keep your baby safe and healthy. This includes vaccinating him or her on time, every time. During National Infant Immunization Week, learn more about the steps that CDC, FDA and vaccine manufacturers take to ensure that vaccines are safe and effective. www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/vaccine-decision/safety.html

Hey Sunset families! To keep everyone safe during tonight’s commute we are closing the clinic at 4pm today (1-17-17). We will be open our normal business hours tomorrow. If you have any health concerns, please call our office and our answering service will connect you with our Pediatrician on call. If you are experiencing an emergency please call 9-1-1!