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L.A. County Health Services has switched many kids’ checkups to telemedicine, but there are some services that can’t be provided over the phone, like the vaccines that start when babies are 2 months old.
“Kids receive a series of vaccines and boosters during that period that are believed to be the most essential to preventing infectious disease outbreaks in the future,” said Dr. Shannon Thyne, the head of pediatric services for the county.
Thyne worries that delays in vaccines now could lead to an outbreak of an illness like pertussis in the future.
Pediatricians are wearing masks for all visits to county clinics, and they’re offered to families too. Sick patients are routed through different entrances.
“We're trying to provide an environment that allows people to feel like they can safely come to the hospital when they need to,” Thyne said.
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