The measles outbreak and NSP’s response

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4/3/2025

Dear North Seattle Pediatrics Families,

 

You may be aware that the U.S. is experiencing a growing measles outbreak. As of March 27, 2025, the number of measles cases had reached 483 according to the Centers for Disease Control, and involve 20 states including Washington. On March 21, the CDC asked all medical providers to ensure that all of their patients who are 12 months old and older receive at least one dose of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine in order to slow and ultimately stop the spread of this very concerning outbreak. Measles is a serious, highly contagious disease that is also very preventable by vaccination. One dose of the MMR vaccine provides up to 95% protection from measles. There is no current medical evidence that links the MMR vaccine to Autism Spectrum Disorder.

 

We take the health and safety of our patients very seriously. We care for vulnerable patients who are not old enough to receive the MMR vaccine, and it is our responsibility to take steps to protect all of our patients, our community, and the broader population from disease. In order to protect all patients who have chosen NSP as their medical home, we are requiring all of our patients who are unvaccinated for measles, age 12 months and older, to receive at least one dose of the MMR vaccine in the next 60 days.

 

We consider it a privilege to care for our patients, and we are grateful for all of the families who trust us with that responsibility. We hope to have your cooperation and support in not only keeping your own children well, but keeping other children safe and healthy also.

 

Thank you for your understanding,

Drs. Cheryl Bratt, Drew Fillipo, Terri Graham, Linda Grim, Gail Kelso, and Vinita Seru

Spirit Week at NSP 3/17-3/21

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Today we had Rainbow Day at NSP! 🌈

3/19 Decade Day (the team is planning to dress with inspiration from the 80s)

3/20 Sports day (wear something from your favorite sports team)

3/21 Animal Day (dress like an animal or wear an animal shirt)

Join us in the fun if you are coming in for an appointment this week!

Latest Information on Measles outbreak

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We are collaborating with King County Public Health and adhering to their vaccine administration guidelines. Currently, early MMR vaccination is not recommended unless international travel is planned. In such cases, we advise scheduling a travel appointment at our clinic for vaccine administration and other guidelines. These appointments need to be at least two weeks before the travel date.
If your child received their first dose at 12 months, they have 95% immunity. After receiving the second dose at 4 years old, their immunity will increase to 97-99%, providing lifetime protection.
If you suspect your child has been directly exposed to a confirmed measles case, please contact our office immediately.
We will promptly update you here if Public Health Seattle & King County revises these guidelines.

Clinic Closing at 4pm

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2/5/25 The clinic will be closing today at 4pm due to the weather. We hope everyone stays safe and enjoys the snow!

Flu and Covid vaccines

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10/23/24 We have Covid and flu vaccines for all children ages 6mos and older. We will update this site with any changes.

Please call for an appointment: 206-368-6080. ALL FLU AND COVID VACCINES ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.

STAY HOME IF SICK: If you or your child has symptoms like fever, cough, congestion, loss of smell, etc. Cancel your appointment by calling 206-368-6080 or send a portal message prior to the appointment time.

• Vaccines given will be recorded in the patient’s Immunization Record.

 

 

 

Kickstart the School year with a Mental Health Check-In

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It’s back-to-school season!
We hope summertime was great for everyone! September marks the start of school year for most schools. As the year begins, there’s a growing focus on more than just new supplies and classroom readiness.

It’s a time to consider the emotional and mental well-being of students as they prepare for the new academic year. We encourage you to do a mental health check-in with your children! Mental health check-ins can help by setting a positive tone for the upcoming months, ensuring that your children are prepared to face the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

If you see your child struggling with any behavioral or emotional health concerns, please reach out to make an appointment with your PCP. You can also request to seek services with our integrated behavior health therapist, Maitreyee, who works with children for various behavior and emotional challenges.

Contact Us

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Behavioral Health Program

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We are excited to share the news about a new behavioral health service here at NSP. Please read the handout for more details.

Maitreyee IBH flyer

If you are interested in this short term service for your child, please call our office to set up an appointment with your doctor.

Mask Policy

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MASK POLICY continues: 5/6/2024

original post 7/18/2023:

1) Patients without symptoms:
Masks are strongly encouraged but not required.

2) Patients with symptoms:
Patients/Caregivers ages 2 yrs. and over showing symptoms of any respiratory illness, such as Covid19, including (but not limited to) fever, congestion, cough, or difficulty breathing, will be required to wear masks during their visit.
These families should enter through the clinic’s designated “sick entrance”. Do not access the clinic through the waiting area.
Masks will be provided upon entry if they do not have one.

Dr. Herb Hilgers

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Dr. Herb Hilgers was one of the founding doctors of North Seattle Pediatrics. It was an honor to work with him. He will be missed.

(CLICK THIS LINK TO VIEW HERB’S MEMORIAL VIDEO)
Shared by Kryss Abreu Bywater 2/6/23: A week ago today, we lost one of this world’s best men, Herb Hilgers. It has taken me the past seven days of deep grieving to work up the emotional effort to post this tribute to my bonus dad. And oh, what an incredible bonus he was. Herb officially became my bonus dad in 1982 when he married my mom. From the very beginning, he loved and treated me as if I were his own child. Through his words and actions, he taught me how one should treat their life partner. He taught me what it meant to truly be selfless and non-judgmental. Read more