Shannon Scott-Vernaglia, MD
@scottvernaglia.bsky.social
Peds Primary Care, Faculty Development, Med Ed * Fighting mental health stigma * Proud mom of 2 *
#MedSky #PedSky #EndStigma #KidVengers
#MedSky #PedSky #EndStigma #KidVengers
Pinned
👋 Seems about time to do an intro!
🌤️ New here & loving it
👶 Pedi primary care
🔬 Firm believer in science &
🌈 that everyone deserves to live as their authentic self
🥊 Fighting stigma w/ personal narrative & advocacy
🦃 Grateful for pocket friends I've made
👭 Looking for new friends - repost to help
🌤️ New here & loving it
👶 Pedi primary care
🔬 Firm believer in science &
🌈 that everyone deserves to live as their authentic self
🥊 Fighting stigma w/ personal narrative & advocacy
🦃 Grateful for pocket friends I've made
👭 Looking for new friends - repost to help
I love this! This weekend I'll be having ROMO when I miss a fundraising gala at work--can't wait to see the fun pictures! Thank you @drkopacz.bsky.social and @closler.bsky.social
ROMO—the Relief of Missing Out—is the burnout antidote you can start tonight. Consider skipping the next conference and protecting your weekends to have energy to give exceptional care to every patient. @drkopacz.bsky.social @scottvernaglia.bsky.social #MedSky tinyurl.com/43kr9hym
October 29, 2025 at 12:22 AM
I love this! This weekend I'll be having ROMO when I miss a fundraising gala at work--can't wait to see the fun pictures! Thank you @drkopacz.bsky.social and @closler.bsky.social
Reposted by Shannon Scott-Vernaglia, MD
We’re offering free vaccine clinics in Boston. Vaccines are safe, effective, and protect against serious illness. Getting vaccinated keeps you healthy and helps protect your family, friends, and community.
Find upcoming vaccine clinics at boston.gov/vaccine-clinics.
Find upcoming vaccine clinics at boston.gov/vaccine-clinics.
Free Vaccine Clinics in Boston
Everyone ages six months and older is encouraged to get the updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Pregnant parents, babies, and older adults should consult their health care professional about RSV vaccin...
boston.gov
October 15, 2025 at 9:09 PM
We’re offering free vaccine clinics in Boston. Vaccines are safe, effective, and protect against serious illness. Getting vaccinated keeps you healthy and helps protect your family, friends, and community.
Find upcoming vaccine clinics at boston.gov/vaccine-clinics.
Find upcoming vaccine clinics at boston.gov/vaccine-clinics.
Reposted by Shannon Scott-Vernaglia, MD
October 2, 2025 at 12:40 AM
Reposted by Shannon Scott-Vernaglia, MD
Mackenzie Little's second successive World Athletics Championships bronze medal is an amazing achievement, all the more so considering she's a full-time surgical resident.
Javelin bronze the 'icing on the cake' for Dr Little
Mackenzie Little's second successive World Athletics Championships bronze medal is an amazing achievement, all the more so considering she's a full-time surgical resident.
www.abc.net.au
September 20, 2025 at 8:38 PM
Mackenzie Little's second successive World Athletics Championships bronze medal is an amazing achievement, all the more so considering she's a full-time surgical resident.
So grateful for the critically important work of @ppfa.org and excited to hear @alexismjpp.bsky.social speak with @darakass.com at #WIMStrongerTogether
September 18, 2025 at 3:01 PM
So grateful for the critically important work of @ppfa.org and excited to hear @alexismjpp.bsky.social speak with @darakass.com at #WIMStrongerTogether
Any friends here for #PWIMS2025? Excited to learn and networking! #WIMStrongerTogether
September 18, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Any friends here for #PWIMS2025? Excited to learn and networking! #WIMStrongerTogether
Reposted by Shannon Scott-Vernaglia, MD
Los Angeles County child dies of rare measles complication years after infection | CNN
www.cnn.com/2025/09/11/h...
www.cnn.com/2025/09/11/h...
Los Angeles County child dies of rare measles complication years after infection | CNN
A school-age child in Los Angeles County who had measles as an infant has died of a rare complication, the county health department said Thursday.
www.cnn.com
September 13, 2025 at 12:53 PM
Los Angeles County child dies of rare measles complication years after infection | CNN
www.cnn.com/2025/09/11/h...
www.cnn.com/2025/09/11/h...
Reposted by Shannon Scott-Vernaglia, MD
I grew up with two alcoholic parents.
I lost both before I was 30 yrs old.
I know intimately the negative effects of alcohol on individuals & their families.
Why is MAHA ignoring the effects of a known killer, alcohol, and attack vaccines, which has saved millions?
I lost both before I was 30 yrs old.
I know intimately the negative effects of alcohol on individuals & their families.
Why is MAHA ignoring the effects of a known killer, alcohol, and attack vaccines, which has saved millions?
Federal Report on Drinking Is Withdrawn
The upcoming U.S. Dietary Guidelines will instead be influenced by a competing study, favored by industry, which found that moderate alcohol consumption was healthy.
www.nytimes.com/2025/09/05/h...
The upcoming U.S. Dietary Guidelines will instead be influenced by a competing study, favored by industry, which found that moderate alcohol consumption was healthy.
www.nytimes.com/2025/09/05/h...
Federal Report on Drinking Is Withdrawn
www.nytimes.com
September 5, 2025 at 9:31 PM
I grew up with two alcoholic parents.
I lost both before I was 30 yrs old.
I know intimately the negative effects of alcohol on individuals & their families.
Why is MAHA ignoring the effects of a known killer, alcohol, and attack vaccines, which has saved millions?
I lost both before I was 30 yrs old.
I know intimately the negative effects of alcohol on individuals & their families.
Why is MAHA ignoring the effects of a known killer, alcohol, and attack vaccines, which has saved millions?
Reposted by Shannon Scott-Vernaglia, MD
Gun suicide is a public health crisis that claims the lives of nearly 26,000 people in America each year. Too many people are dying preventable deaths because the most lethal method of suicide—guns—are far too easy to access in times of suicidal crisis.
September 1, 2025 at 1:25 PM
Gun suicide is a public health crisis that claims the lives of nearly 26,000 people in America each year. Too many people are dying preventable deaths because the most lethal method of suicide—guns—are far too easy to access in times of suicidal crisis.
Reposted by Shannon Scott-Vernaglia, MD
The American Academy of Pediatrics: Infants ages 6 months to 2 years should get a COVID vaccination.
A baby's first encounter should be with the vaccine, not the virus.
npr.org/2025/08/20/n...
A baby's first encounter should be with the vaccine, not the virus.
npr.org/2025/08/20/n...
August 30, 2025 at 8:14 PM
The American Academy of Pediatrics: Infants ages 6 months to 2 years should get a COVID vaccination.
A baby's first encounter should be with the vaccine, not the virus.
npr.org/2025/08/20/n...
A baby's first encounter should be with the vaccine, not the virus.
npr.org/2025/08/20/n...
Reposted by Shannon Scott-Vernaglia, MD
Reposted by Shannon Scott-Vernaglia, MD
A regional climate research center based in Amherst, Mass. could close next month because the Trump administration froze its funding and is limiting what work researchers are allowed to do.
Northeast climate science center in Massachusetts could close as feds freeze funding
“This is just another way to stop science,” said Bethany Bradley, the center’s co-director. The Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center is one of nine regional hubs across the country that helps s...
www.vermontpublic.org
August 28, 2025 at 5:19 PM
A regional climate research center based in Amherst, Mass. could close next month because the Trump administration froze its funding and is limiting what work researchers are allowed to do.
Reposted by Shannon Scott-Vernaglia, MD
You’d think most people care about kids w/ cancer but you’d be wrong.
Our medical reimbursement system sure doesn’t.
Pediatric hematology oncology is the 4th lowest paying specialty overall & is 1 of 5 pediatric specialties where 3 extra years of training is rewarded with a lower salary.
Our medical reimbursement system sure doesn’t.
Pediatric hematology oncology is the 4th lowest paying specialty overall & is 1 of 5 pediatric specialties where 3 extra years of training is rewarded with a lower salary.
August 18, 2025 at 1:08 AM
You’d think most people care about kids w/ cancer but you’d be wrong.
Our medical reimbursement system sure doesn’t.
Pediatric hematology oncology is the 4th lowest paying specialty overall & is 1 of 5 pediatric specialties where 3 extra years of training is rewarded with a lower salary.
Our medical reimbursement system sure doesn’t.
Pediatric hematology oncology is the 4th lowest paying specialty overall & is 1 of 5 pediatric specialties where 3 extra years of training is rewarded with a lower salary.
Reposted by Shannon Scott-Vernaglia, MD
At its peak in 1952, polio killed more than 3,000 Americans and paralyzed more than 20,000. Images of children encased in coffin-like iron lungs terrified parents. Time to get real about the effects of vaccine preventable illnesses. Some PSAs would help.
August 10, 2025 at 3:35 PM
At its peak in 1952, polio killed more than 3,000 Americans and paralyzed more than 20,000. Images of children encased in coffin-like iron lungs terrified parents. Time to get real about the effects of vaccine preventable illnesses. Some PSAs would help.
Reposted by Shannon Scott-Vernaglia, MD
"Vaccine skepticism in the U.S. also kills more children outside the U.S. — because it transfers that skepticism — outside the United States.”
www.statnews.com/2025/08/04/b...
www.statnews.com/2025/08/04/b...
Bill Gates says rising anti-vaccine sentiment in U.S. will exact heavy toll overseas
Philanthropist Bill Gates expressed concern about the impact of growing U.S. vaccine skepticism overseas.
www.statnews.com
August 5, 2025 at 1:42 AM
"Vaccine skepticism in the U.S. also kills more children outside the U.S. — because it transfers that skepticism — outside the United States.”
www.statnews.com/2025/08/04/b...
www.statnews.com/2025/08/04/b...
Reposted by Shannon Scott-Vernaglia, MD
Medicaid did this for my son. Saved his life when severe scoliosis was collapsing his lungs & beginning to interfere with his heartbeat.
February 7, 2025 at 2:15 AM
Medicaid did this for my son. Saved his life when severe scoliosis was collapsing his lungs & beginning to interfere with his heartbeat.
Reposted by Shannon Scott-Vernaglia, MD
I don’t know where RFK finds these quacks: “Another panelist, psychologist Roger McFillin — who hosts a podcast that challenges conventional mental health advice — suggested that depression wasn’t an illness but rather a product of “women just naturally experiencing their emotions more intensely.”
Some of the panelists invited by the FDA to discuss SSRIs and pregnancy claimed that antidepressants don't work at all and depression goes away on its own. One suggested that depression was not an illness, but rather a product of “women just naturally experiencing their emotions more intensely.”
FDA panel promotes misinformation on antidepressants during pregnancy, psychiatrists say
Nearly all of the 10 panelists emphasized what they said were risks of the drugs. Some claimed, without evidence, that antidepressants don't work at all.
www.nbcnews.com
July 22, 2025 at 2:38 AM
I don’t know where RFK finds these quacks: “Another panelist, psychologist Roger McFillin — who hosts a podcast that challenges conventional mental health advice — suggested that depression wasn’t an illness but rather a product of “women just naturally experiencing their emotions more intensely.”
SSRIs are life saving and the baby deserves to have a mom who feels well and can bond with them - suggesting otherwise harms pregnant people and their babies.
Today’s FDA panel on SSRIs in pregnancy lacked balance and failed to reflect the evidence. Untreated depression and anxiety can lead to serious health risks for pregnant patients—SSRIs can be lifesaving. Patients deserve access to evidence-based, compassionate care. Learn more: buff.ly/NcCZno8
July 22, 2025 at 1:30 AM
SSRIs are life saving and the baby deserves to have a mom who feels well and can bond with them - suggesting otherwise harms pregnant people and their babies.
Reposted by Shannon Scott-Vernaglia, MD
At my colonoscopy today
Nurse: Are you pregnant?
Me: No, I have infertility and I’m abstinent
Nurse: Got it. Would you like to sign a pregnancy test waiver?
Me: Yes!
It should always be that easy.
Nurse: Are you pregnant?
Me: No, I have infertility and I’m abstinent
Nurse: Got it. Would you like to sign a pregnancy test waiver?
Me: Yes!
It should always be that easy.
Every time I get a procedure for my infertility:
Nurse: We need to do a pregnancy test
Me: No, I’m here because I *can’t* get pregnant
Nurse: But still, we need to do the test
Me: No, because if I were pregnant I wouldn’t be here
I wish they’d just record “patient refused” and move on
Nurse: We need to do a pregnancy test
Me: No, I’m here because I *can’t* get pregnant
Nurse: But still, we need to do the test
Me: No, because if I were pregnant I wouldn’t be here
I wish they’d just record “patient refused” and move on
July 18, 2025 at 6:34 PM
At my colonoscopy today
Nurse: Are you pregnant?
Me: No, I have infertility and I’m abstinent
Nurse: Got it. Would you like to sign a pregnancy test waiver?
Me: Yes!
It should always be that easy.
Nurse: Are you pregnant?
Me: No, I have infertility and I’m abstinent
Nurse: Got it. Would you like to sign a pregnancy test waiver?
Me: Yes!
It should always be that easy.
The "survivorship bias" of thinking that trans adults who didn't receive treatment as children turned out okay. Important essay by @notquitehydepark.bsky.social
We need to take care of our trans and nonbinary kids
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
We need to take care of our trans and nonbinary kids
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
A Strange Time to Be Trans
In this particular culture war, some self-described skeptics look less like truth-tellers than merchants of doubt.
www.theatlantic.com
July 13, 2025 at 1:14 PM
The "survivorship bias" of thinking that trans adults who didn't receive treatment as children turned out okay. Important essay by @notquitehydepark.bsky.social
We need to take care of our trans and nonbinary kids
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
We need to take care of our trans and nonbinary kids
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
Reposted by Shannon Scott-Vernaglia, MD
The 4-valent and 9-valent HPV vaccines essentially eliminated HPV 16/18 in Denmark: “prevalence of [HPV16/18] in the samples decreased to < 1% in 2021 from 15–17% before vaccination
This is amazing. HPV16/18 are the most common high risk subtypes to cause cervical cancer. #meded #oncsky #radonc 🧪
This is amazing. HPV16/18 are the most common high risk subtypes to cause cervical cancer. #meded #oncsky #radonc 🧪
👧🏽 Since 2008, vaccination against human papillomavirus #HPV is free for girls in Denmark
🔎 Researchers looked at 16,955 cervical cell samples from 8,659 women over a 7-year study period
📉 #vaccination has effectively reduced infections with cancerogenic HPV 16/18 types
#IDSky #MedSky #STISky 🧪🩺
🔎 Researchers looked at 16,955 cervical cell samples from 8,659 women over a 7-year study period
📉 #vaccination has effectively reduced infections with cancerogenic HPV 16/18 types
#IDSky #MedSky #STISky 🧪🩺
Vaccines work: Cohort data from Denmark show real-world evidence of stable protection against HPV-related cervical cancer
In 2008, Denmark started to offer free vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) with the 4-valent HPV vaccine to teenage girls around the age of 14. New data from a cohort study presenting resul...
www.eurekalert.org
July 11, 2025 at 2:33 PM
An important read that calmly lays out what has been happening due to the chaos around COVID-19 vaccines for children and pregnant people
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
The Effects of Newly Changed Guidance on COVID-19 Shots During Pregnancy
This Medical News article discusses the ramifications of the decision to drop the CDC’s recommendation that pregnant people get immunized against COVID-19.
jamanetwork.com
July 11, 2025 at 3:46 PM
An important read that calmly lays out what has been happening due to the chaos around COVID-19 vaccines for children and pregnant people
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
Doesn't everyone need a blind date with a book?
Honestly, I think it's kind of silly if you don't get yourself or a friend a Blind Date with a Book, but, you know, I won't judge portersquarebooks.com/product/blin...
portersquarebooks.com
July 10, 2025 at 8:38 PM
Doesn't everyone need a blind date with a book?
Reposted by Shannon Scott-Vernaglia, MD
A coalition of leading Massachusetts and national health organizations sued Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. for “arbitrarily” scrapping COVID-19 vaccination recommendations and for dismantling an expert panel that advises the government on immunizations.
Leading health groups sue Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. over ‘assaults’ on science and health - The Boston Globe
The suit addresses the scrapping of COVID-19 vaccination recommendations for children and pregnant women and the dismantling an influential expert panel that advises the government on immunizations.
www.bostonglobe.com
July 7, 2025 at 6:09 PM
A coalition of leading Massachusetts and national health organizations sued Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. for “arbitrarily” scrapping COVID-19 vaccination recommendations and for dismantling an expert panel that advises the government on immunizations.