Virginia Pediatric and Adolescent Center
Fostering the growth, health, and happiness of your children
703-569-8400
News
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New Electronic Health Record transition at VPAC
August 26, 2024
Virginia Pediatric and Adolescent Center is excited to be moving towards the future and transitioning to a new electronic health record as of Monday, August 26th. Unfortunately, this portal will be obsolete after that date. However, expect access to a better system as we move forward.
Thank you for your patience during this switch. While we experience growing pains in the office, we will continue to provide the same high-quality care you have become accustomed to. This new system will be more robust and on par with the service you expect from our office.
Newborn Rounding
November 30, 2022
Our doctors have made the difficult decision to stop rounding on newborns at the hospitals as of December 1, 2022. We love meeting new babies and will miss that time with them, but our practice needs more physician staffing availability in the office due to the recent increase in demands. The hospitalist pediatricians will take good care of your little ones and will tell you when to schedule the initial newborn visit in our office--that's usually 1-2 days after discharge. We look forward to meeting your cuties then!
Updated Covid Boosters (Bivalent)
October 25, 2022
Updated Covid vaccine boosters (bivalent—they target the recently-circulating omicron strains) are now authorized. We have Pfizer Covid bivalent (omicron-inclusive) boosters for age 5 years and older in our offices. If it has been 2+ months since your child’s last Covid shot, you can sign up for a booster in one of our shot clinics through the Signup Genius flu/Covid shot clinics on our website or look at community vaccination sites that are convenient to you.
Omicron Boosters
October 7, 2022
We now have the Pfizer bivalent (omicron-inclusive) Covid vaccine booster for ages 12+ available in both of our offices. We are administering it during our Covid/flu shot clinics only, not during other routine visits. We encourage all patients age 12 and older whose last dose of Covid vaccine (either dose 2 or dose 3) was at least 2 months ago to receive this booster to fight off current strains better.
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Farewell, Rhonda! Happy Retirement!
April 29, 2022
We wish a very happy and well-deserved retirement to Rhonda, who has been our head nurse for over a dozen years. Enjoy those grandbabies, and we hope to see you soon!
February 18, 2022
Baby formula recall 2022: FDA warns consumers not to use select Similac, Alimentum and EleCare
New CDC isolation (for positive Covid cases) and Quarantine (for exposures) Guidelines
December 29, 2021
CDC Updates and Shortens Recommended Isolation and Quarantine Period for General Population
A person who tests positive should isolate at home for 5 days starting the day of that test; if after 5 days this person is without symptoms or symptoms are resolving--and if the person is over age 2 and developmentally able to wear a mask 100% of the time--that person may leave isolation as long as they stay masked 100% of the time for at least the next 5 days. School system/daycare requirements may vary, but because kids have to take off their masks to eat, that likely means no school for 10 days. If fever persists or there are any significant symptoms, that person should still remain isolated at home.
If a person is exposed to Covid and is boosted, that person does not need to quarantine but should stay masked for 10 days post exposure and should obtain a Covid PCR test 5 days after exposure or pursue testing sooner if possible Covid symptoms develop.
If a person is exposed to Covid and has received 2 or fewer doses of Covid vaccine or is unvaccinated against Covid, that person should quarantine at home for at least 5 days after exposure, followed by strict mask use (100% of the time) for 5 more days after that; for younger children given the need for meals etc., that likely means staying at home for 10 days.
The CDC recommends wearing a well-fitting mask; we recommend a high-quality surgical or (K)N95 mask rather than a cloth one if possible.
As a reminder, symptoms of Covid can include fever, congestion, sore throat, stomach ache, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, fatigue, body aches, malaise, and rashes. We recognize that other illnesses can have similar symptoms. When in doubt, please consult our office about possible testing.
Happy Halloween!
October 31, 2021
A safe and happy Halloween from the VPAC family to yours!
October 26, 2021
VPAC is excited to announce that Dr. Allison Haupt is joining our practice starting today. She will be based mainly in the Fair Ridge office. She looks forward to partnering with your family to support the health and growth of your children. We welcome her to VPAC!
September 2, 2021
The 2021-2022 VPAC Fight the Flu Campaign has begun!
Flu shots are available for ages 6 months and up in both offices.
Click here for our flu shot clinic hours and sign-ups.
Thank you, Kimberly Kinkade!
August 31,2021
We are so sad that nurse practitioner and lactation consultant, Kim Kinkade moved to South Carolina with her family earlier this month. She had been at VPAC for 9 years and was a wonderful part of our family, and she’s terrific at her job. We will miss her.
August 15, 2021
Here is some information about the long-term side effects of COVID vaccines.
June 7, 2021
For the past 11 years, Dr. Nita Vivatrat has been a wise, calm, wonderful part of our practice. For family reasons, she and her husband and 3 sweet daughters are moving to Guam, where her husband is from. We are so sad to see her leave and wish her and her family the best. Hope to see you again soon, Dr. Vivatrat!
FDA authorizes and CDC recommends the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine for adolescents 12 to 15 years old
May 12, 2021
The FDA authorizes Pfizer coronavirus vaccine for adolescents 12 to 15 years old.
This official CDC recommendation also follows the FDA decision to authorize emergency use of this vaccine in 12- through 15-year-old adolescents.
This is another important step to getting out of the COVID-19 pandemic, and closer to normalcy.
Happy Mother's Day and Happy Nurses Week
May 9, 2021
Celebrating Mother's Day and Nurses Week. Thank you for all that you do!
May 6, 2021
Does your child need a physical for camp or college or school sports? Many local schools require a physical or "sports update" after May 1 for sports clearance for the coming school year, even if your child had an annual well visit within the past few months.
We offer sports physicals by appointment or through our walk-in clinic on Tuesday-Friday.
***Please note that your child must have had an annual physical within the year to be able to walk-in for a sports physical.***
April 26, 2021
We will be offering COVID vaccines in our office beginning May for patients aged 16 and up. Sign up today!
February 10, 2021
Here's some information from the American Academy of Pediatrics about the risk of heavy metal exposure to children, and how to help minimize it.
Air pollution, Transportation, and our health
January 28, 2021
Dr. O'Mara is the Vice-Chair for Community Outreach and a Steering Committee Member of Virginia Clinicians for Climate Action. See his video on transportation and our health here.
VPAC Providers get their COVID Vaccines
December 19, 2020
VPAC providers are eagerly starting to receive COVID vaccines.
Click here for more information on when children may be getting COVID vaccines.
December 14, 2020
Recognizing signs of stress in your children and ways to offer support.
November 12, 2020
A growing number of studies have shown that gratitude benefits both our physical and emotional health.
October 14, 2020
This article includes ideas on how families can have fun while avoiding the scare of being exposed to or spreading the virus.
Thank you, Beth Morrell!
September 16, 2020
Our nurse practitioner, Beth Morrell, will be leaving VPAC in order to spend more time with her family. We wish Ms. Morrell the best, and thank her for the wonderful care and compassion she has had for our patients.
August, 30, 2020
Starting Sept 1, 2020, our weekday walk-in acute care clinic hours will be from 7:00 AM – 11:30 AM and 1:00PM – 4:30 PM in both offices.
If you are bringing a child in for walk-in clinic, we ask you to call us from your car when you arrive and to follow the prompts for “Walk-in Clinic”. Your call will be answered by a nurse, and they will either have you come right in or call you back when we a room is available.
Upcoming Schedule and Location Changes
June 26, 2020
Virginia Pediatric & Adolescent Center is pleased to announce that our Springfield office renovations are progressing well (the photo to the right is our hallway during move-in) and starting Monday, July 6, we will be seeing well visits in both our Springfield and Fair Ridge Drive offices. Shot clinic hours will also be returning to as previously scheduled.
Click here for further details.
New Appointment Confirmation System
June 15, 2020
Virginia Pediatric and Adolescent Center is happy to announce that we have a new appointment confirmation system. PLEASE make sure we have good contact information (especially e-mail and cell phone number) for you.
June 5, 2020
It is never too early to speak with your children about our similarities and differences and to help them develop positive ideas about themselves and others.
April 17, 2020
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that during the COVID-19 pandemic, children continue to receive well-child care and immunizations, particularly infants and young children (through 24 months of age).
March 17, 2020
Dr. O'Mara has been advocating for our children's health through support of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.
Temporary Schedule Changes due to Coronavirus Outbreak
March 16, 2020
Please see this important information regarding temporary schedule changes due to the Coronavirus Outbreak.
Mar 1, 2020
A comic exploring the new coronavirus that is appealing and informative for kids.
Refer to this AAP article or the CDC website for more information about COVID-19.
October 2, 2019
Ranitidine (Zantac) products, including generic products from several pharmacy chains, are being pulled from store shelves due to possible contamination. Ranitidine treats gastroesophageal reflux disease. If your child is taking a form of ranitidine, please contact our office at 703-569-8400 to speak with an advice nurse to discuss alternatives.
Please share this information with other families who might be affected. For adults, please contact your doctor with any concerns
July 27, 2019
We see more allergy and asthma issues when spring pollen levels are higher due to warmer-than-usual temperatures as well as increased rain. Milder winters the past couple of years have meant more ticks in the spring and summer, followed by more Lyme and other diseases.
May 29, 2019
Each year, on the first Saturday of June, thousands of Virginians simultaneously descend on the rivers, streams, and beaches of the Chesapeake Bay watershed to remove harmful litter and debris. Thirty-one years strong, Clean the Bay Day is a true Virginian tradition and an annual opportunity to give back to local waterways.
Saturday Physicals Starting Mid-May
April 19, 2019
There will be a limited amount of scheduled physicals on Saturday mornings in our Fair Oaks office starting mid-May through the summer. To schedule an appointment, call 703-569-8400.
Walk-in Pre-op Visits
February 27, 2019
On Tuesdays through Fridays only, patients may come to our walk-in clinic hours at either office for pre-op visits. Please note that we are unable to accomodate these visits on Monday or Saturday. Walk-in acute care clinic hours are 7:00am - 9:45am in both our Springfield and Fair Oaks offices.
October 23, 2018
As we head into colder, drier weather, keep moisturizing dry skin on your little ones to try to prevent dry patches from becoming inflamed.
Fighting for Clean Car Standards
September 28, 2018
Virginia Pediatric and Adolescent Center's Dr. O'Mara wrote an op-ed about fighting for clean car standards for our children's health. Read his article here.
Welcome Back, Emily Bearse!
September 3, 2018
We are pleased to welcome back, Emily Bearse CPNP. She is back in the area after having moved away in 2012.
Emily Bearse is a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. She grew up in Fairfax and she received her Bachelor of Science of nursing from University of Virginia. She graduated with her Master of Science in Nursing in the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program from the The Catholic University of America in 2009. Ms. Bearse will be working primarily in the Springfield office.
August 30, 2018
In an updated policy statement, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children remain in rear-facing car seats until they reach the highest weight and height allowed by their seat. Most convertible car seats have limits that will allow children to remain rear facing for 2 years or more.
Welcome Meghan Cromwell CPNP
June 3, 2018
A belated welcome to Meghan Glassmacher Cromwell, a nurse practitioner who joined our practice this April. She and her siblings grew up in our practice, and she worked here as a medical assistant a decade ago. She received her BSN and CPNP from the University of Rochester. After that, she worked in primary care in Annapolis for 2 years before joining a pediatric pulmonology group for a year and a half. She has a special interest in asthma and other respiratory issues. She and her husband have a sweet 10-month-old daughter. We feel very lucky to welcome her back to VPAC!
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Dr. O'Mara attends Climate & Health Solutions Conference
April 13, 2018
Earlier this month, Dr. Timothy O'Mara attended a Climate & Health Solutions conference and visited Virginia legislators to discuss the effects of the climate on children's health.
The American Academy of Pediatrics issued a policy statement in 2015 entitled “Global Climate Change and Children's Health” that detailed how children are “uniquely vulnerable” to effects of climate change, including “physical and psychological sequelae of weather disasters; increased heat stress; decreased air quality; altered disease patterns of some climate-sensitive infections; and food, water, and nutrient insecurity in vulnerable regions.” Click here for more information on how climate change affects children now and in the future.
February 7, 2018
Symptoms that call for immediate medical care are if a child’s breathing becomes labored, and he or she is taking fast, shallow breaths or feels chest pain or pressure; if the child’s lips turn blue or purple; if he or she is less responsive than usual; if the child’s skin becomes clammy; or if the child refuses to eat or drink or has diarrhea and is vomiting, raising the risk of dehydration.
Introducing Dr. Farha Naqui
November 6, 2017
We are happy to announce that Dr. Farha Naqui will be joining our practice in December 2017. She will be practicing primarily at our Fair Oaks location.
Dr. Farha Naqui is a board certified pediatrician who earned a Bachelor’s Degree from The George Washington University and her medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine. She completed her pediatric residency at Vidant Medical Center at East Carolina University in Greenville, NC. She has been in private practice for the last 5 years.
Dr. Crim's Reduced Schedule
November 2, 2017
Dr. Crim will officially be scaling back her hours after January 2018. She will no longer have a set schedule, and will likely be working only a few days each month. If you would like to schedule an appointment with her, please talk with our schedulers regarding her availability.
We are happy that Dr. Crim will be able to enjoy more time with her family, and are thankful for her years of dedication to our patients.
Washingtonian Top Doctors
October 24, 2017
Congratulations to Doctors Rossbach, Jarvandi, O'Mara, and Cross for being recognized in Washingtonian magazine as being one of the Washington, DC area's 2017 best doctors!
October 10, 2017
You probably can't protect your child from hearing about tragic events. These four tips can help you talk to your kids about these difficult topics.
July 11, 2017
Post-partum depression and anxiety are common and treatable. Please don't suffer alone -- tell your family or friends and please seek help from your obstetrician or primary care provider. We're here to support you, too; don't hesitate to reach out!
June 22, 2017
Keep checking the whole family for ticks every evening after spending time outside!
Travel Conferences
April 8, 2017
Traveling abroad this summer? Schedule a travel visit with one of our providers about 4 weeks before you leave so we can review your child's vaccines and the CDC travel recommendations for the countries you will be visiting. Children age 13 months - 3 years can receive their booster of MMR early to have better measles protection. Children 6-11 months can receive an MMR dose early to protect them for travel. Depending on where you are traveling, we may also discuss typhoid and other vaccines as well as malaria prophylaxis. Travel safely and enjoy those family vacation memories!