Dr. Gary Kramer - Pediatric Specialists

08/13/2026

Whether your kids are heading back to school today or later this month, we are wishing everyone a great school year.

08/11/2026

“President Trump signed an executive order regarding Gold Standard Childhood Vaccine Recommendations for the United States. In doing so, he is attempting to further a prior currently challenged directive to reduce the number of immunizations being given to children from 17 to 11. In addition, it calls for the separation of the MMR vaccine into three individual components, an option that has not been commercially available for nearly 20 years.

At the center of this initiative is the unproven notion that the number and proximity of childhood immunizations has a link to the rise in autism. To date, there is no evidence to substantiate this claim. Currently, each individual state sets the bar for which vaccines are required for school entrance. The intention of President Trump is for the DOJ to institute a federal override of state authority in this scenario. At issue is the removal of Rotavirus, Hepatitis strains, Influenza, Covid, and Meningococcal immunizations in addition to the splitting of the MMR.

The obvious concern is the reappearance of many of these largely eradicated diseases and the morbidity and mortality associated with them. In splitting the MMR, the risk of incomplete vaccination will increase profoundly.

Where this will ultimately land legally is difficult to say, but to date there is no scientific research which supports any link between vaccines and autism. It has always been the position of the American Academy of Pediatrics that patients should not be dismissed from a practice for vaccine refusal or hesitancy but, rather, it is advised that the pediatrician should continue to have the vaccine conversation with parents in an effort to eventually vaccinate their children. The goal should never be to pressure people with fear but instead to educate them about the benefits of their children being protected. All vaccines, in my opinion, should be seen as insurance against a potential illness of which the timing and severity cannot be predicted. We do not have vaccines against every illness in the world but rather the ones that have been historically proven to cause significant morbidity and mortality.

In the end, all medications including vaccines should be seen as toxins with beneficial side effects. The benefits should always outweigh the risks. Those who choose not to vaccinate must assess what their risk tolerance is not only of their own child contracting a potentially catastrophic illness. They must also take into account that they are assuming a risk for others around them. There just is no perfect scenario here.”

-Dr. Gary Kramer

08/06/2026

It's common for kids to prefer a limited number of foods, and that's usually okay. As long as those favorites include a variety of food groups, such as protein, fruit, grains, and dairy. The food still needs to provide the nutrients children need for healthy growth.

Dietitians say you can give yourself some grace and expand kids’ palates at the same time.

08/05/2026

Parents are asking Miami-Dade county to start planting more real grass saying plastic turf is a safety hazard for students.

“Particularly concerning is the documented heat impact.”

08/05/2026

It's that time of year when student athletes are back outside for practices and workouts. Take a few minutes to talk with your child about the signs of heat-related illness, the importance of staying hydrated, and why it's okay to take a break if they don't feel well.

08/03/2026

We know it's hard to believe, but it's time to start planning to go back-to-school. Part of that planning means getting back into a good sleep routine. This should be done at least a week before school starts.

07/31/2026

As kids get ready to start school, it's a good time to check their reading level.

What is my child’s reading level? Explore reading levels by grade and learn how to find your child's reading level and choose just-right books.

07/30/2026

07/28/2026

If you are looking for omega-3 supplements for kids, here are some choices. Always speak to your pediatrician to see what they recommend as well.

Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for brain, heart, and immune health—but kids don’t always get enough in their diet. These are the 8 best fish oil supplements for kids, according to pediatric nutrition experts.