Promote Vaccine Confidence | |
We are in challenging times. Frequently, I’m asked how I’m holding it together. My response is we’ll continue to be present for our patient families and colleagues one day at a time. Yet I am tired. Tired of the broken healthcare system. Tired of defending evidence-based clinical practice. Tired of conversations about vaccine hesitancy. These moments are when I have to remind myself that progress is not a straight line but a connection of small dots.
All our progress in medicine and pediatrics didn’t happen overnight or in smooth progress either. All of us - clinicians within our communities and our professional organizations (the AAP and our local chapter AAPCA1) are doing a lot. AAP steadfastly advocates for children’s health and pediatricians’ sustainability. In a timely manner given my vaccine conversation fatigue phase, AAP sponsored an Immunization ECHO series this past Spring. It was so helpful to chat with colleagues around the country experiencing the same conversation fatigue from vaccine hesitancy.
So often as challenges like vaccine hesitancy pop up, I go back to this question: what is within my control? I choose the messaging our staff uses. Each year, I facilitate refresher training on importance and benefits of immunizations for children and their families..continue reading...
Resources:
Communicating with families and promoting vaccine confidence - AAP
Vaccine Confident posters - AAP
Respiratory Viruses Hub - California Public Health Dept July 2026
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Niyi Omotoso, MD FAAP
Chapter Immunization Representative, AAP-CA1
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From California to the National Stage: Reflections from the 2026 AAP National Conference
I had the privilege of representing AAP California Chapter 1 at the 2026 American Academy of Pediatrics Leadership Conference. Pediatric leaders from across the country came together to discuss the challenges facing children, families, and our profession.
What impressed me most was the work happening across the AAP to address these challenges, defend evidence-based pediatric care, and keep children at the center of our advocacy.
The Leadership Conference brings together leaders from chapters, districts, councils, committees, and sections. It gives us a chance to share what is working in our communities, talk openly about what is not, and learn from colleagues facing similar challenges across the country...continue reading...
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Saul Diaz Martinez, MD, FAAP
Vice President, AAP-CA1
Readers Tip!
| Limited spots available for the Advocating for Children Together (ACT) Conference, happening on Saturday, September 19, 2026. It's a one-day, CME-eligible event bringing our pediatric community together around a shared mission: advocating for children. Register now! | | What to say about Autism and the President's Executive Order about Vaccines? | |
On August 10, 2026 President Trump issued an Executive Order (14420) entitled “Delivering Gold Standard Childhood Vaccine Recommendations for Americans”. These recommendations substantially deviate from AAP recommendations in several ways. First, instead of 18 vaccines the AAP recommends for all children, it lists 11 vaccines for all children, and the other 7 either for high risk groups or based on “shared decision making”. Second, it recommends that the MMR vaccine be administered in 3 separate shots at separate medical visits, although these separate vaccines are not available in the US. Third, it emphasizes the state “obligation” to provide religious and medical exemptions to immunization requirements to “maximize parental choice”...continue reading...
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Renee Wachtel, MD, FAAP
Chair, School Health and Behavioral & Developmental Committees, AAPCA1
| The Family Table as the First Clinic: Why Nutrition Counseling Must Begin at Infancy | |
When we think about preventing childhood obesity, we often picture school-age children. The evidence asks us to think much earlier.
Research consistently shows that parental dietary patterns are among the strongest predictors of what and how children eat. Savage et al. established that parental influence on eating behavior begins at conception and continues through adolescence, operating through food availability at home, modeling of eating behaviors, and feeding practices that shape children’s long-term relationship with food. Children do not develop food preferences in isolation. They inherit them, at the table, long before they can articulate a preference. What makes this especially urgent today is the timing of ultra-processed food (UPF) introduction...continue reading...
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Dr. V. Sushma Chamarthi
Chair, Obesity Prevention Committee, AAP-CA1
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Advocating for Children (ACT) Conference
Saturday, Sept. 19 | 8 a.m - 5 p.m | Kaiser Permanente Medical Center | 3600 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94611
Participants will experience dynamic, TED-style talks on timely advocacy topics, engage in mentorship sessions, and take part in interactive workshops focused on media training, writing for advocacy, AI, strengthening community advocacy skills, and more!
Registration prices:
Chapter Members $100
Non-Chapter member $150
Trainees $35
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Upcoming Committee Meetings
Childhood Nutrition & Obesity Prevention Committee Meeting
Wednesday, Sept. 16 |12 p.m - 1 p.m | Virtual | RSVP Here
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics and School Health Committee Meeting
Wednesday, Oct. 7 | 7 p.m - 8 p.m | Virtual | RSVP Here
Pediatric Practice Support Office Hours
Tuesday, Nov. 3 |6 p.m - 7 p.m | Virtual | Register Here
| | AAP Leadership Conference Top 10 Resolution: Making E-bikes Safer for Kids | | |
I am a pediatric emergency physician and nearly every shift these days I care for at least one pediatric patient with injuries from crashing an e-bike, scooter, or similar device. A majority of them are not wearing a helmet. Some are lucky to escape with only a broken arm or leg, but many suffer serious head injuries, sometimes devastating ones that will change their lives forever. State and national data show that e-bike and e-scooter related injuries in children and adolescents increased 7.5-fold from 2023 to 2026. These visits are overtaking motor vehicle crashes and falls to become the number one reason for trauma activation at many pediatric trauma centers, and the injuries and fatalities from these devices more closely resemble those of motorcycle crashes than pedal bike injuries.
This is why I co-authored the resolution “Expanding Education, Guidance, and Policy Advocacy for Electric-Micromobility (e-scooters, e-bikes, etc.) Use in Children and Adolescents” which was voted among the Top 10 resolutions at the 2026 AAP Leadership Conference. The resolution calls for...continue reading...
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Morgan Leighton, MD, MPH
Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellow, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals
| | California's 2026 Immunization Champion: Dr. Daniel R. Brennan Honoring Leadership in Vaccine Advocacy | |
We are delighted to announce Daniel R. Brennan, MD, FAAP, CLC as California’s recipient of the 2026 Immunization Champion Award. Dr. Brennan’s leadership and dedication have significantly improved immunization rates and vaccine confidence across Santa Barbara County and beyond. After a tragic pertussis loss in his community, he launched the “Strive for 95” initiative, joining healthcare, public health, and schools to boost vaccine uptake. His outreach, including town halls, media campaigns, and StriveFor95.org, helped raise local kindergarten vaccination rates above the community immunity threshold.
At Sutter Health, Dr. Brennan led teams to achieve substantial increases in pediatric and adolescent immunization rates. His commitment to mentorship, creative advocacy, and accessible education continues to inspire and protect California families. Congratulations, Dr. Brennan!
Learn more about the AIM Champion Award program at Champion Awards – Association of Immunization Managers.
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Apply for the Care & Connect Microgrants for up to $2,000!
AAPCA1 is excited to offer its members the opportunity to apply for a chapter microgrant. The Care & Connect Microgrant Project offers microgrants valued at up to $2,000 (no amount is too small) which can be utilized in one of two impactful ways. The first option supports innovative community-based child health initiatives. The second option is to host member gatherings and meetings within your local area. We encourage all members to take advantage of this member benefit!
Applications will continue to be received and reviewed until funds are allocated.
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Think Like a Shrink: Cal-MAP Pediatric Mental health Bootcamp for Primary Care providers
Friday, September 18 | 8:30 a.m - 4:30 p.m | UCSF Nancy Friend Pritzker Building, 675 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94107
Join Cal-MAP for an interactive, full-day training designed to strengthen primary care providers’ skills in recognizing, diagnosing, and managing common pediatric mental and behavioral health conditions. Through practical guidance from pediatric mental health experts, participants will learn to use validated screening tools, apply trauma-informed communication and behavior-management strategies, safely prescribe and monitor commonly used psychotropic medications, and coordinate additional care when needed.
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San Diego Pediatric School Health Conference
Wednesday, Sept. 23 & Sept. 30 | 6:30 p.m - 9 p.m | via Zoom
Join AAP California Chapter 3 for the 29th Annual San Diego Pediatric School Health Conference, held virtually over two Wednesday evenings on September 23 and 30, 2026 via Zoom. The conference will cover timely school health topics including psychogenic seizures, GI issues, justice-involved youth, measles and immunizations, restrictive eating and GLP-1s, staff wellness, social determinants of health, and the effects of Tijuana River pollution on school-aged children.
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ACES Health Champions Gathering
Friday, Sept. 25 | 12:00 p.m - 1 p.m | via Zoom
Join the ACES Health Champions Gathering to learn more about the decades-long effort to establish mandatory reporting protections for French physicians who report suspected child abuse. Dr. Bonnet and her pediatrician colleague have advocated for this legislation since 1999. Now, there is renewed hope that the French National Assembly will adopt a mandatory reporting law when it convenes in October 2026.
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State of ACES Regional Health Summit
Thursday, October 1 | 1 p.m - 5 p.m | Rocklin Event Center | 2650 Sunset Blvd, Rocklin, CA 95677
Join healthcare professionals, educators, behavioral health providers, and community leaders to explore the lasting impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), discover trauma-informed strategies, connect with experts and peers, and gain practical tools to build healthier, more resilient communities.
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2026 National Conference & Exhibition
Friday, Oct. 2 - 6 | San Diego Convention Center| 111 Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) invites you to soak up the sun and sharpen your skills at the 2026 National Conference & Exhibition, happening October 2–6 in beautiful San Diego, California.
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42nd Annual Current Advances in Pediatrics
Friday, Oct. 16 - 18 | The Irvine Marriott Hotel | 18000 Von Karman Ave, Irvine, CA 92612
The seminar will emphasize newer treatments and their practical applications for both the office and hospital practice of pediatrics. This year’s program will focus on topics that include: Dermatology, Endocrinology, General Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases, Pediatric Urology & Newborn Medicine.
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47th Annual Las Vegas Seminars
Friday, Nov. 13 - 15 | Caesars Palace, Las Vegas | 3570 Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Join AAP California for the 47th Annual Las Vegas Seminars, an engaging educational experience designed for pediatricians, family practitioners, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and allied health professionals. This year’s program features expert-led updates in Pediatric Nephrology, Endocrinology & Nutrition, Pediatric Dermatology, Infectious Diseases, Adolescent Gynecology, Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics and more.
Members receive a $75 discount!
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Pediatric Careers in California!
Explore our job board for exciting career opportunities or share one of your own. Visit aapca1.org/jobs/.
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Chapter Members: Enjoy a discounted rate of $50 for a 90-day job posting and promotion.
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Non-Members/Corporate Entities: Post for 30 days at $100.
Take the next step in your pediatric career today!
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Pediatric Jobs Available!
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Policy Supports pediatricians' collaboration with school nurses
An updated policy statement, “Role of the School Nurse in Providing School Health Services,” outlines the importance of school nurses in the medical home, their role in care coordination and the value of strong bidirectional communication with pediatricians. It calls on pediatricians to advocate for adequate school nurse staffing and recommends at least one full-time registered nurse in every school.
Recommended by AAP News
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Give Your Child's Eyes a Screen Time Break: Here's Why
Children spend more time than ever staring at digital screens—on computers, tablets, TVs, smartphones and other devices. All that screen time can take a toll on children's wellbeing, including how their eyes may feel. Read more about why screen-time is important!
Eye fatigue: Concentrating on a screen for extended periods can cause concentration difficulties and headaches centered around the temple and eyes.
Recommended by
Healthy Children
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Cal-MAP: Mental Health Support Resources
Cal-MAP helps primary care providers support youth with mental health needs through consultation, education, and resource navigation.
Register for the Cal-MAP consultation program here: https://cal-map.org
Recommended by AAP-CA1, Mental Health Committee
| | | | | | Pediatrics on Call Podcast | | |
Reach Out & Read is on the Air
An award-winning podcast centered on the belief that children’s books build better brains, stronger relationships, and healthier communities.
Join Reach Out & Read as Dr. Dipesh Navsaria, a pediatrician and children’s librarian, explores early childhood health, literacy, brain development, and the power of reading together.
Recommended by Reach Out & Read
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Your membership makes a difference for children in California, thank you!
The AAPCA1's ability to advocate on behalf of children is only as strong as the support we receive from our members. Encourage your colleagues to join today by visiting the AAPCA1 website.
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Our mission is to promote the optimal health and development of children and
adolescents of Northern California in partnership with their families and communities, and to support the pediatricians who care for them.
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Executive Committee:
President: Neel Patel • Vice President: Saul Diaz Martinez
• Secretary: Kerrilyn Rice • Treasurer: Amita Saxena • Past President: Nicole Webb
Area Directors:
North Valley: VACANT • Sacramento Valley: Jihey Yuk • Central Valley: VACANT • South Valley: Nadeem Mousa • San Francisco: Aishwarya Taneja • Santa Clara: Swetang Shah • San Mateo: Jonathon Everett Lee • North Coastal: Ozlem Equils • Monterey Bay: VACANT • Alameda County: Renee Wachtel • Contra Costa/Solano: Jennifer Miller
Pediatric Insider News Editors:
• Nicole Anderson • Dipti Kamath
Staff:
Executive Director: Yolanda Ruiz • Project Coordinator: Sana Sayyid •
Marketing Assistant: Arathzy Portillo
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