Well visits and Immunizations
Nurturing Health and Protection
Why Are Well-Child Visits Important?
Childhood is a period of rapid growth and transformation, and regular well-child visits allow us to closely monitor your child’s progress. These visits are particularly frequent during the early years when development occurs rapidly.
What Does a Well-Child Visit Include?
During each well-child visit, a complete physical examination will be conducted. We will carefully assess your child’s growth and development to detect and address any potential concerns. Height, weight, and head circumference measurements will be recorded on a growth chart, forming a vital part of your child’s medical record. These measurements offer valuable insights into your child’s overall health and help facilitate discussions about general well-being. Additionally, we may discuss the body mass index (BMI) curve, an important tool for identifying and preventing obesity.
In addition to physical assessments, well-child visits provide an opportunity to conduct hearing, vision, and other screening tests based on your child’s age and specific needs. Even if your child is in good health, these visits allow us to focus on their wellness holistically. Topics such as sleep, safety, childhood diseases, developmental milestones, and what to expect as your child grows will be covered. We also address broader wellness topics, including family dynamics, school-related issues, and access to community services
Well Visit Schedule
Following the birth of your baby, the next well-child visit is recommended within 2 to 3 days after bringing your baby home or when your baby is 2 to 4 days old (for babies discharged from the hospital before 2 days old). Subsequent visits are typically scheduled at the following ages:
- 2 weeks
- 2 months
- 4 months
- 6 months
- 12 months
- 15 months
- 18 months
- 2 years
- 2 1/2 years
- 3 years
Each year after that until age 21
These regular well visits allow us to maintain a close relationship with your child, monitor their progress, and provide guidance to ensure their ongoing health and development.
Vaccines: Safeguarding Against Disease
Vaccines are essential in teaching your child’s immune system to defend against harmful germs, such as viruses or bacteria. They work by introducing a weakened or killed form of the infectious agent to stimulate an immune response. As a result, your child’s immune system learns to recognize and fight off the infection, providing protection in case of future exposure.
Vaccines offer critical protection against diseases that were once more prevalent. Tetanus, diphtheria, mumps, measles, pertussis (whooping cough), meningitis, and polio are among the serious illnesses that vaccines help prevent. Many of these diseases can cause severe or life-threatening complications and may lead to long-term health issues. Thanks to vaccines, these infections have become rare in recent years.
Immunization Schedules
Immunizations are administered according to carefully developed schedules, tailored to different age groups. We follow the recommended immunization schedules to ensure your child receives the necessary vaccines at the appropriate times. These schedules cover birth to 6 years and 7 to 18 years, accounting for evolving immunization needs throughout childhood and adolescence.