You probably have a baby in one arm and 287 unread emails, so I'll keep this short.

Here are 3 things I'd tell every parent this month.

Lately, I've seen more and more parents feeling anxious about vaccines after spending time on social media. If you've felt that way too, here are three things I hope you'll remember.

Your social media feed shapes what you believe.

The problem? Social media rewards fear, controversy, and outrageous claims—not accuracy. That's why you might see one viral video claiming vaccines are dangerous, but not the thousands of pediatricians quietly recommending them every day.

If your feed is full of fear-mongering or people giving medical advice without medical training, it's time to hit Unfollow.

In today's world, it's normal to feel overwhelmed by all the conflicting information about vaccines. Curiosity isn't the problem. Not having someone you trust to answer your questions is.

You deserve a pediatrician who will sit down with you, listen to your concerns, and explain the science without making you feel judged or rushed.

The best vaccine conversation starts with trust, not pressure.

If you had a baby a few years ago, you probably remember how scary RSV season was. It was the leading cause of hospitalization in infants. I cared for babies who became so sick they needed breathing machines—and some even required heart-lung support or dialysis. It's a virus I'll never underestimate.

Since Beyfortus (RSV “vaccine”) became available in 2023, RSV hospitalizations have dropped dramatically.

A friend who helps run a large children's hospital told me they finished the year with a $50 million deficit because they admitted far fewer babies.

Bad for the hospital's bottom line. Great for babies.

See you next month,

Dr. Nilay Donmez