At first glance, news that 800,000 doses of the H1N1 vaccine were being recalled will likely get many parents worried. Is there something wrong with the vaccine? Will it make their kids sick?

Fortunately, the H1N1 vaccine is still considered to be a safe vaccine, but some lots are being recalled because routine stability testing has found that they aren't as potent as they are supposed to be. This includes four lots of Sanofi Pasteur's pediatric H1N1 vaccine in 0.25 mL pre-filled syringes that were distributed last month.

Since there are no concerns about the safety of the vaccine and many of the children who got the recalled vaccine will likely still need a second dose of H1N1 vaccine, this is one recall that parents don't need to be too concerned about. Even if a child got two doses of recalled vaccine, these recalled vaccines are still thought to be strong enough to protect kids from the swine flu.

Did your child get a recalled vaccine? Your pediatrician will be able to soon learn if they have had any recalled H1N1 vaccine in their office and which patients they gave it to. Many will likely notify parents, even though no action is required by the parent, if their child received a recalled vaccine.

Also keep in mind that the vaccine in the H1N1 recall (800,000 doses) is a small part of the overall number of H1N1 vaccine doses that are now available (86 million), so you can still get your kids a swine flu vaccine, even after they remove the recalled doses.

Related:
CDC - H1N1 Vaccine Recall
H1N1 Vaccine
Swine Flu
Getting the H1N1 Vaccine

We have heard warnings about window blinds since the 1990's. Since they are still hurting kids and have resulted in the deaths of at least 8 children since 2006, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC) are now recalling all Roman shades and roll-up blinds. The recall includes shades and blinds sold at Walmart, J.C. Penny, Pottery Barn, and a number of other stores.

This recall of millions of shades and blinds will hopefully allow these window coverings to become safer, since parents can now order a free repair kit from the Window Covering Safety Council.

In addition to getting their free repair kit, the CPSC also recommends that parents:

• Examine all shades and blinds and make sure that no cords are accessible.
• Consider using cordless window coverings in your home.
• Keep cribs and other furniture away from windows so that kids don't have easy access to window cords.
• Make loose window cords inaccessible to your kids.
• Install tension devices to keep looped chains or cords taught.

Related:
CPSC - Roman and Roll-Up Blind Recall
Strangulation Hazards - Hidden Dangers
Choking and Choking Hazards
Recall List
Window Safety and Preventing Falls

December 6-12, 2009 is National Hand Washing Awareness Week and is a great time to learn more about the importance of proper hand washing.

Proper hand washing is an easy way to stay healthy year-round, helping your kids avoid cold and flu viruses, bacteria that can cause food poisoning and other infections, and germs they can get from their pets or other sick kids. Review these hand washing steps with your kids to make sure they know how to wash their hands correctly.

Related:
How to Wash your Hands Properly
Avoiding the Flu
National Hand Washing Awareness Week

We have gotten used to blaming outbreaks of Salmonella and E. coli on contaminated foods, especially with the recent food poisoning outbreaks that were caused by contaminated peanut butter, pistachios, and ground beef, etc.

A new Salmonella outbreak is a good reminder that it is not only foods that can make you sick with these bacterial infections. The CDC reports that the latest outbreak is likely linked to 'contact with water frogs including African Dwarf Frogs.' Since June 2009, 48 people have been gotten sick in 25 states, the majority of them being less then 10 years old.

Although experts have long warned parents not to have frogs and turtles as pets if they have a child less then 5 years old in the home, this is a timely reminder for anyone considering a pet frog or turtle (or other amphibian or reptile) as a Christmas present for a young child.

To be safe, even older children and adults should remember to wash their hands after touching their pets or cleaning their cages or aquariums. Also, don't let these pets to roam around the house, especially in the kitchen, as that can be a good way for them to spread the Salmonella bacteria. If you do have a pet frog or turtle in your home, be sure to see your doctor if your child develops Salmonella symptoms and let them know about your pet.

Related:
CDC: Salmonella Typhimurium Investigation
Preventing Food Poisoning
Food Storage and Food Safety
Health Alert - Reptiles as Pets