Well Child Visits are Not Just for Babies!

By now most parents have received that package from school and are busy having those numerous forms completed. One of those forms is of course the important health history and physical exam form that requires completion by your pediatrician. The reason for this requirement is in accordance with the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendation that all children have a yearly physical exam. By the time most children enter school they have met most of their major developmental milestones and immunization requirements leading to less visits to their pediatric office. 

If the child is healthy, those visits become even fewer. Yearly health visits are important because they provide opportunities for your pediatrician to get to know your child and their health history, as well as to discuss any concerns that you may have about your child. They also create a lifelong habit of good health. 

When children get into the routine of these annual exams they most likely will carry that into adulthood.

So why are they so important?

At your child’s yearly examination it includes a history of what is going on in your child’s life, a physical exam, screening of hearing and vision, any necessary laboratory tests, and a review of their immunizations.  Many times parents are not aware of all of the vaccines that are required for their older children. 

Health officials estimate that half of all adolescents are missing one or more of their recommended immunizations. This leaves your children susceptible to many vaccine-preventable diseases.

So I encourage any parent who is unsure of their child’s immunization coverage to call your pediatric primary care giver and review them. Just because your child is in school does not mean they have had all of their vaccines.

By the age of 6, your child should have completed their diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis, Polio, Pneumococcal  (Prevnar), Haemophilus, Hepatitis B, Rotavirus, Measles/Mumps/Rubella, Varicella, and Hepatitis A series’.

At the age of 11 they should get their tetanus/pertussis booster, meningitis vaccine, and begin the Gardasil series. 

By the age of 16 they should receive a meningitis booster. It is also recommended that your child gets an influenza vaccine every year.

So if you haven’t already, schedule your child’s physical today.

Have a healthy school year!

Meghann Wellard, CRNP

Arundel Pediatrics, Arnold & Linthicum