Advertisement
These visits include getting important vaccines and checking on developmental milestones
Do you really need to vaccinate your kids and get regular well-checks?
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
The answer, says pediatrician Wadie Shabab, MD, is a resounding, “Yes!”
Vaccines are very safe and have saved children from getting many diseases, from polio to chickenpox. And being on a well-child visit schedule helps make sure your child is meeting important developmental milestones.
Dr. Shabab explains when your child needs which shot and a trip to the doctor’s office.
Childhood immunizations help protect your child from getting a number of illnesses. These vaccines, mostly given as shots at a well-child visit, are very safe and can help prevent easily spread diseases that can cause serious health problems.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following:
Advertisement
Key:
DTaP: Diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis vaccine.
HAV: Hepatitis A vaccine.
HBV: Hepatitis B vaccine.
Hib: Haemophilus influenzae type B, or flu.
HPV: Human papillomavirus vaccine.
IPV: Inactivated polio vaccine.
MCV4: Meningococcal conjugate serotype A, C, W and Y vaccine for meningitis.
Men B: Meningococcal Serotype B vaccine for meningitis.
MMR: Measles/mumps/rubella vaccine.
PCV: Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine for meningitis.
Rotavirus: Vaccine against potentially life-threatening diarrhea.
TB: Tuberculosis screening.
Varicella: Chickenpox vaccine.
It’s essential that you stick to a well-child check schedule. Making sure your child is up to date on recommended vaccines is vital for your child’s health.
Children who aren’t vaccinated are more likely to contract diseases like whooping cough and measles. These diseases are highly contagious and can become serious health issues.
Additionally, well-checks are necessary to track and document your child’s growth and developmental and behavioral milestones. During a well-check visit, parents and caregivers can discuss any concerns they have when it comes to vaccinations and their child’s overall health.
“Children grow and develop fast — and the rate of this growth is the fastest in the first three years of life,” notes Dr. Shabab. “Your healthcare provider will monitor your child’s weight, height, BMI, vital signs, hearing, vision, developmental/behavioral milestones, lead, TB and other screening tests at the appropriate age and interval during their well-child visits.
“This information, along with discussing your child’s diet, sleeping, academic achievement, screen time and safety, will help your provider in partnering with you in maintaining and helping your child reach their health and developmental goals.”
Advertisement
Learn more about our editorial process.
Advertisement
Differences in symptom presentation may lead to women and girls being underdiagnosed
Creating a pal in their mind can help children learn social skills, overcome fears and build creativity
Your little one may be up and walking as early as 9 to 12 months
Ultimately, the choice depends on what works best for you and your baby, but it’s also important to be aware of the pros and cons of both
Set later bedtimes, create nighttime routines and limit long napping to help your early bird establish healthy sleep habits
Pediatric IBS treatment involves making dietary adjustments, getting mental health support and — in some cases — taking prescription medication
Studies have shown an increase in ophthalmic complications as a symptom of COVID-19
It’s highly unlikely your baby will have an allergic reaction to food you eat while you’re breastfeeding
Focus on your body’s metabolic set point by eating healthy foods, making exercise a part of your routine and reducing stress
PFAS chemicals may make life easier — but they aren’t always so easy on the human body
While there’s little risk in trying this hair care treatment, there isn’t much science to back up the claims