Terry Brenneman, MD

Active, healthy 11-y/o boy develops degenerative neurologic symptoms. PMH relevant for measles at age 1 year, MMR vaccine at 8 months. Is there a connection?

In the absence of an official preference for one formulation over another, we can do what's best for our patients.

A seasoned pediatrician learns something new after a mother offers a moral defense against the Varivax vaccine for her son.

There is no room in the office refrigerator for Monday's vaccine delivery. Your son's mini-fridge is an ideal temporary fix. True or False?

The mother of a 12-year-old boy resists your suggestion that he receive the HPV4 vaccine today. She asks three good questions. Do you know the answers?

It's Monday morning and you're only 20 minutes behind. Per routine, you ask the mother of the 12-month-old in your office if she has any questions about the shots he's about to receive...

The mother of a 12-month-old says she'd rather her son have the chickenpox ("It's such a mild disease...") than be vaccinated today. Here, the pros and cons.

FluBlok, new this year, is egg-free but approved for persons aged 18 to 49 years only. The other options, and precautions, are discussed here.

The 5-year-old in your office has asthma and is egg-allergic. Mom wants him to have a flu shot today, but only if it can be given safely. Can it? With which vaccine?

If you aren't ready with the answer to this question and a way to put it in context for parents, you just might not get another chance. What would you say?

Here's how to put a parent's concern to rest.

Since mom went to the hassle of bringing along the 4 year old to her little brother's appointment, why not help make it worth the trip and get her up-to-date, too?

Your answer to the question in this case will hinge on what you know about the influenza strains in the 2014-2015 vaccine vs those in the 2013-2014 formulation. See what you think.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has just published its official recommendations for the 2014-2015 influenza season. How do the updated guidelines apply to this potential office situation?