COPC - Step by Step Pediatrics

10/19/2026

The flu has begun hitting parts of the US earlier this year compared to the last five years, first picking up in late August to early September. While flu season typically starts in earnest around November, data used to track respiratory illnesses – like laboratory tests, hospitalizations and wastewater data – detected activity while summer temps were still scorching. So far this year, Influenza A is dominant as the number one strain. Influenza A is the most common type of flu that circulates seasonally and produces the symptoms we most often associate with the flu. If you have not gotten a flu shot yet, I would strongly encourage you to not wait and to get one now.

10/16/2026

It is really hard to find any actual data on measles cases right now. My Google AI search shows most cases are centered in Northeast Ohio. No confirmed cases in Columbus yet after the recent exposure.
Confirmed Cases by County (Northeast Ohio Focus)
• Geauga County: Highest number of confirmed cases in the state (50 cases reported).
• Ashtabula County: 41 confirmed cases.
• Tuscarawas County: 13 confirmed cases.
• Trumbull County: 8 confirmed cases.
• Cuyahoga County: 4 confirmed cases.
• Portage County: 1 confirmed case.
• Stark County: 1 confirmed case.

10/13/2026

Powell / Delaware County Measles Exposure: Local health officials are investigating a potential measles exposure incident at a Powell restaurant/gastropub. The possible exposure happened at Kraft House No. 5, located at 5 South Liberty Street, on Sunday, Oct. 4, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Health officials are advising anyone who at the restaurant at that time to monitor for symptoms like fever, cough, and runny nose for 21 days. The restaurant stated that all of their employees are fully vaccinated. We will keep an eye on this and watch for additional cases. There is no evidence of any further exposure in Columbus.

10/05/2026

Another successful Flu Shot Clinic is in the books. Over 700 patients had their flu shot on Saturday. Thanks go out to our amazing staff for doing such a good job!

09/30/2026

Step By Step's annual flu clinic is this Saturday! If this clinic does not work for you and you are interested in the Flu Mist nasal spray, you can now order it online to be delivered to your door after filling out a medical questionnaire. We do not recommend shot over mist, but there are some restrictions to the mist that the questionnaire will address. Check out FluMist.com.
https://www.flumist.com/

Discover FluMist® (Influenza Vaccine Live, Intranasal) – a needle-free nasal spray flu vaccine that helps protect against seasonal influenza. Learn how it works and who it's for.

09/25/2026

Yet another random, unsupported theory that need to be debunked. Vaccines do NOT cause SIDS. They actually cut the risk of unexpected death in half. As more and more studies show there is no link to autism, the anti-vaccine lobby is looking for something else to hang their hat on. These people do not want vaccines no matter what the data shows, but they are looking for justification for their feelings and the internet is all too willing to provide slop to make them feel better. Extensive research has shown the most important thing to do to prevent SIDS to have you infant sleep on their back, in a bassinet, with nothing else in the crib, in your bedroom. Breastfeeding, not smoking, a fan in the room, and a pacifier also have some positive effect. The slide show below is a little long, but is really good at explaining the science.

09/24/2026

09/21/2026

Measles continues to flare in Pennsylvania. There are have now been 4 deaths including 2 infants. Cincinnati Children's Hospital reported that last week there was a measles exposure in their ER. Two children who live out of state were diagnosed with measles after spending time in the ER waiting room. There are not currently any active cases of measles in Cincinnati, but as measles has a 90% attack rate we will be watching this closely.
In good news, at least the cyclospora outbreak has been declared over and everyone can start eating lettuce again.

Send a message to learn more

09/16/2026

Are you aware that there is a service that provides additional information to first responders if you have a family member with special needs or medical conditions? You can be better prepared for any emergency by giving public safety the information first responders need
Smart 911 allows families to provide additional details that 9-1-1 call takers may need in order to assist them during an emergency. When you dial 9-1-1 from a phone registered with your Safety Profile, the 9-1-1 systems recognizes your phone number and automatically displays your profile. This can be especially important with children with Autism who may be overwhelmed in emergency situations. Check out the website for more information.

This service helps 9-1-1 protect your family by providing more information to first responders. You should sign up too, it is free!

09/03/2026

💉 Step By Step Pediatrics Annual Flu Clinic

📅 Saturday, October 3, 2026
⏰ 8:00–11:00 a.m.
📍 By appointment only

Please schedule your appointment through MyChart. If the clinic does not appear as an option, submit a MyChart appointment request. Please do not call the office to schedule.

Reminders:

- Complete your MyChart eCheck-In before arriving
- Flu shots and a limited supply of Nasal Mist will be available
- COVID-19 vaccines will not be offered
- Smaller weekday clinics are also available. More dates added when slots fill.

We look forward to seeing you!

Your Pediatrics Team