Keeping kids healthy is a team effort, and it starts with regular checkups. Wellness visits give providers a chance to follow your child’s growth and development, while also giving parents practical guidance on nutrition, safety and important milestones. These visits also include immunizations, which play a big role in protecting not only your child, but the whole community, from preventable illnesses. We asked Tiffany Horne, BSN, RN, CLC, Sr. Director of Nursing & Infection Control at CommWell Health to share answers to some of the most common questions parents have about why wellness visits are so important.
Q. Why are regular wellness visits important for children, even when they seem healthy?
A. Well Child Visits are an important way to detect early health issues, screen for risk factors for certain health related issues, track growth and development, educate and administer vaccinations important for preventing serious illnesses and addressing mental and emotional health while establishing healthy habits.
Q. What role do immunizations play in protecting both individual children and the community as a whole?
A. Immunizations build antibodies and immunity against serious illnesses; they reduce complications from viruses if children do get infected and can provide long term protection from diseases. Vaccinated children are also less likely to miss as many days from school due to sickness. The community as a whole can acquire “herd immunity” when being vaccinated and vulnerable populations can be protected. Vaccinations can prevent outbreaks and control or eliminate the associated disease.
Q. At what ages are the most critical wellness visits and immunizations recommended?
A. The most critical wellness visits and immunizations are from newborn to age 2, to monitor feeding habits and monitor growth and development milestones. Ages 2-6 are also very important to track growth and development as well as to identify any developmental/behavior problems early prior to starting school. Vaccinations are also important during this time to meet recommended immunizations prior to starting school. Ages 11 or 12 and 16 are also important for recommended immunizations as well as continuing to track growth and development. Children should get well-child visits from newborn-18 years of age.
Q. Besides vaccines, what other important screenings or developmental checks are done during a wellness visit?
A. During well-child visits, the following screenings and developmental checks are done:
- Growth and development monitoring
- Milestones that include communication, social interaction and cognitive development
- Vision and hearing screenings
- Lab tests
- Blood pressure
- Puberty
- Mental Health
- Dental Health
Q. What advice would you give parents to help them prepare their child for a positive wellness visit experience?
A. Write down any questions or concerns you have for the pediatrician prior to your appointment. Be prepared to discuss milestones that your child meets or is still working towards. Arrive early for the appointment and have open and honest conversations with your pediatrician and health team.
“At CommWell Health, we provide compassionate, personalized pediatric care at multiple locations,” Horne said. “Our dedicated pediatric providers work closely with you and your child to ensure they receive the support and services needed for healthy growth. With child-friendly, colorful exam and waiting rooms, we create a welcoming environment where children feel safe and relaxed throughout their health care experience.”
This article is sponsored by CommWell Health. For more information about their services, visit commwellhealth.org.
