Pediatric Health

MADERA, Calif. – An uptick in cases of mycoplasma pneumonia – also known as “walking pneumonia” and “atypical pneumonia” – is prompting physicians to urge parents to watch for symptoms and take precautions to limit its spread. The illness is a…

These New Laws Could Have an Impact on Your Child’s Health in 2026

January 16, 2026

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A slate of new laws taking effect in 2026 will bring big changes to children’s health in California, altering school nutrition standards, access to support services and more. Below are some of the new laws that have…

Sick little girl with flu symptoms standing outdoors.

As Flu Cases Climb, Doctors Say There’s Still Time for Kids to Get Vaccinated

January 6, 2026

(Updated on January 12, 2026) MADERA, Calif. – As flu cases surge across the country, pediatricians at Valley Children’s say it’s not too late for kids to get their flu shot to protect them during the peak of the season. The…

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If My Young Child Has RSV or the Flu, Should I Take Them to the Emergency Department?

November 25, 2025

MADERA, Calif. – As respiratory viruses like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza begin to pick up during the winter months, parents often wonder when to take a sick child to the emergency department and when it’s safe to manage…

Little boy sitting next to mother and looking at arm while pediatrician putting adhesive bandage on after injection

Medical Experts Push Back After CDC Webpage Links Autism and Vaccines

November 20, 2025

NEW YORK – In response to a change in position from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on the relationship between vaccines and autism, medical experts are assuring parents that decades of research show no connection between the two.…

Medium close up of baby boy eating formula while his mother helping him with it

Health Officials Warn of Infant Formula Recall Amid Botulism Outbreak

November 12, 2025

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – State and federal health officials are investigating a multi-state outbreak of infant botulism linked to ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula, prompting a nationwide recall of all formula products from the company. In a health advisory released on…

A tractor operates in a field leaving a cloud of dust behind.

Experts Urge Parents to Stay Vigilant as Fall Brings Valley Fever Threat

November 6, 2025

MADERA, Calif. – As autumn settles into California’s Central Valley, health experts are warning families to remain alert to the threat of Valley fever – a fungal infection that can pose serious risks to children. Valley fever, or coccidioidomycosis, occurs…

Ask a Doctor: What Are Your Top Tips for Safe Sleep?

October 29, 2025

MADERA, Calif. – October marks Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month, and Dr. Carol Nader from Valley Children’s is offering her top safe sleep tips to help protect your little ones. “Like you, we want your babies to sleep…

Common Household Items Sending More Kids to the ER, Experts Warn

October 27, 2025

MADERA, Calif. – Experts at Valley Children’s Hospital are alerting families to a hidden threat after a spike in emergency cases involving young children who have swallowed small household objects. These are often items that adults don’t realize pose a…

Ask a Doctor: When Should My Child Get Their Flu Shot?

October 15, 2025

MADERA, Calif. — With flu season looming, doctors at Valley Children’s Hospital are reminding parents that a quick flu shot could be the difference between a healthy holiday season and a hospital stay. “We really recommend getting the flu shot,…