August 22, 2025: A late summer increase in COVID-19 activity in Pennsylvania is occurring. Based on national respiratory virus surveillance, test positivity for COVID-19 in PA has  increased sharply in the past three weeks. Emergency department visits due to COVID-19 recently began to increase, particularly in children under age 5 year and adults over age 64 years. Late summer/early fall waves have occurred in the previous three seasons, peaking in September. 

The Pennsylvania Department of Health encourages people who are eligible to get the COVID vaccine now, especially those at  higher risk, rather than waiting for the updated fall formulation. People should wait at least eight weeks between COVID vaccines and 12 weeks after having COVID infection.

For more detailed health information and resources see the latest PA DOH Health Advisory.

August 19, 2025: As respiratory virus season approaches, the American Academy of Pediatrics has published an evidence-based immunization schedule that includes updated guidance for influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 immunizations for children and adolescents from birth to age 18. The schedule, “Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule: United States, 2025,” was published Aug. 19, 2025 in the AAP Red Book Online , the Academy’s clinical guidebook for infectious diseases prevention and treatment.

See this important announcement from the AAP News Room here.

Additional Resources:

All About the Recommended Immunization Schedules - HealthyChildren.org

How Vaccine Schedules Changed Over Time & Why - HealthyChildren.org

April 14, 2025: The Pennsylvania Key kicks off the monthly resource, Health Trends in Early Childhood, focused on trending health issues related to children from birth to age five and their families and caregivers. Health Trends focuses on what we can do to keep children healthy.

Each month, find information about a recent health trend in early childhood, learn why it is important, discover the impact it has on children, their families and caregivers, and the community, as well as actions we can take to ensure the health and well-being of children in our communities. You can also find reliable resources to learn more about the issue. Feel free to print and share the one-page Health Trend and explore the resources.

November 22, 2024: The CDC has released the Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule by Age, Recommendations for Ages 6 Years or Younger, United States, for 2025.  Be sure to check out the CDC site for more information:

Vaccine & Immunizations Schedules: Your child needs vaccines as they grow! | Vaccines & Immunizations | CDC

August 9, 2024: Children and adults with life-threatening allergies will have a needle-free treatment for anaphylaxis.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved neffy epinephrine nasal spray from ARS Pharmaceuticals for the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis in people weighing at least 66 pounds. It is the first treatment that does not require an injection. Find more information here.

June 1, 2024: Children die in hot vehicles every year. Heatstroke begins when the core body temperature reaches about 104 degrees and the ability to maintain or control body temperature is overwhelmed. Vehicles heat up quickly – even with a window rolled down two inches. If the outside temperature is in the low 80°s Fahrenheit, the temperature inside a vehicle can reach deadly levels in only 10 minutes!

Warning signs of heatstroke include:

• Red, hot, and moist or dry skin

• No sweating, even though the child is warm

• Strong rapid pulse or slow weak pulse

• Throbbing headache

• Dizziness

• Nausea

• Confusion, or acting strangely

The National Highway Safety Traffic Administration provides resources on how to prevent hot car deaths.

May 8, 2024: Water beads can be deadly to babies and small children if ingested, and can lead to choking, internal injuries and even death if left undetected notes the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

The CPSC urges parents and caregivers to remove these products from any environment with children. CPSC also urges childcare centers, camps, and schools to avoid these products entirely. If you suspect your child has swallowed a water bead or inserted a water bead into their ear or nose, seek medical treatment right away.

For more information:

Water Beads - CPSC.gov

Water Beads: Harmful if Swallowed, Put in Ears - HealthyChildren.org

Are Water Beads Dangerous? - Poison Control

Report any dangerous product or a product-related injury & experiences with water beads on SaferProducts.gov. You can additionally help to promote awareness with this printable poster from CPSC.