Well Child Care

When your new baby arrives, you will want to do everything you can to make sure your baby stays healthy. By seeing your child at regularly scheduled appointments, your doctor is able to:

• Check your child’s growth and development
• Examine your child to find diseases or anything that is not normal early
• Give shots (immunizations) to prevent certain diseases
• Give you information to help you keep your baby healthy

This time also gives you the chance to talk about any problems or questions you might have. Exams, lab tests, and shots are usually done according to the schedule below. Some doctors or clinics may have a slightly different schedule.

Physical exams are recommended every one or two years after the child is six years of age.

DTaP is the new and recommended Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Whooping Cough vaccine. DPT is the old form of the same shot. Diphtheria and Tetanus boosters are needed every ten years.

Inactivated Polio Vaccine is the new type of Polio Vaccine that is recommended for use. Oral Polio vaccine is only used in special cases.

PCV is the Pneumococcal vaccine recommended for all children between 2–23 months of age. In special cases, some children between 24 months and 60 months old may also need this vaccine.

Hep B is the Hepatitis B vaccine that may be given soon after birth. Only three shots of this vaccine are needed. The last of the three shots can be given anytime between six and 18 months of age. If a child has not had all three doses in the past, it is recommended that this be done at the 11-12 year visit.

The new Hib vaccine is being recommended to prevent one type of meningitis in children. There are a few different Hib vaccines on the market that may be given at different times than we have listed above.

Varicella vaccine is the new chickenpox vaccine. This vaccine can be given to any child after a year of age. In older children or adults, a test to be sure you have not had a mild case in the past may be recommended. Your doctor will advise you about the right time for giving this vaccine to your child. Sometimes during an outbreak of a disease, your doctor may recommend giving one of the vaccines earlier.

Hepatitis A (Hep A) vaccine is recommended in some states and for children that are at risk. Check with your doctor.

There is a new vaccine available that combines the DTaP and Hib in a single shot. This may not be as effective if used in infants under 6 months of age.

Your doctor may recommend other tests and vaccines.

Advanced Medical Systems Inc.