Weekly review: March Mental Health issue, social media boundaries, more

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Get caught up with Contemporary Pediatrics! This list helps you navigate our top stories from the week, all in one place.

Incorporating mental health care into primary visits


Pediatricians are increasingly managing mental health care as wait times for specialists grow and primary care access declines. The REACH Institute provides training to help primary care providers integrate mental health screenings and interventions into their practice. Simple tools like the Pediatric Symptom Checklist and PHQ-9 can assist in early diagnosis and treatment, helping bridge gaps in care.

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Vimkunya chikungunya vaccine launches for ages 12 years and older


On March 18, 2025, Bavarian Nordic announced the commercial launch of Vimkunya, the first virus-like particle (VLP) single-dose chikungunya vaccine available in a pre-filled syringe for individuals 12 years and older. The approval, based on phase 3 data showing strong immune response, makes Vimkunya the first chikungunya vaccine available for adolescents.

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OAV101 in SMA patients demonstrates improved motor function, disease progression


Novartis shared positive phase 3 results for investigational onasemnogene abeparvovec (OAV101 IT) in treating spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in patients aged 2 to under 18 years. Data from the STEER and STRENGTH studies showed significant motor function improvements, with a 2.39-point increase on the HFMSE scale in treatment-naïve patients.

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Poll: What’s the diagnosis of this linear eruption on the leg of a 9-year-old girl?


A healthy 9-year-old girl developed an asymptomatic linear eruption of 2-3 mm hypopigmented papules along the lines of Blaschko on her left leg. The lesions resolved without treatment after 4-5 months. Can you diagnose this case? Vote in our poll and check back for the full case breakdown.

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Brain food: Nutrition’s critical role in teen mental health


With 1 in 7 adolescents worldwide diagnosed with mental health disorders, emerging research suggests that nutrition plays a vital role in mood regulation, cognitive function, and emotional well-being. Essential nutrients such as omega-3s, B vitamins, and vitamin D support brain health, while food insecurity remains a critical barrier to care.

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