Child Immunizations 101: Well-Child Exams Checklist

A child’s body is constantly changing, from the time they’re born until they become young adults. That’s why it’s so important to ensure that your child gets routine preventive exams (well-child exams) as they grow.

These well-child exams will allow a pediatrician to detect any important health problems and monitor your child’s developmental progress. The American Academy of Pediatrics — an organization of over 67,000 pediatricians committed to the well-being of infants, children, and young adults — recommends the following schedule for well-child exams:

• 3 to 5 days after birth
• 1 month old
• 2 months old
• 4 months old
• 6 months old
• 9 months old
• 12 months old
• 15 months old
• 18 months old
• 24 months old
• 30 months old

Starting at 3 years old, a child’s visits should be annual through age 21.

Well-child exams are also the ideal opportunity to ensure your child is up to date on immunizations.

What immunizations do my child need?

Children are born with some protection against diseases and will get additional antibodies from their mother’s breast milk. Unfortunately, this protection is temporary. To help protect your child from common or life-threatening diseases, doctors recommend that your child gets vaccinations for the following:

• Polio
• Mumps
• Measles
• Rotavirus
• Chickenpox
• Hepatitis A & B
• Whooping cough
• Hib
• Diphtheria
• Pertussis
• Pneumococcal
• Rubella
• Tetanus
• Seasonal influenza (flu)

While this looks like a long list, these aren’t administered all at once. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a vaccination schedule for the above over six years.

Why vaccinate your child?

Many of the diseases listed above can be life-threatening or cause long-term complications for your child. Vaccinating your child can protect them in places where they would normally be at risk, such as:

• Day care
• School
• Family gatherings
• Anywhere with crowds

Are vaccinations safe?

Immunizations are the best way to protect your child from long-term health complications that result from contagious disease.

Side effects from vaccination are mild and may include minor bruising or swelling at the injection site. There is no evidence that suggests vaccinations cause autism. In addition, vaccinations are constantly monitored to ensure safety and effectiveness.

You can get complete pediatric services at Internal Medicine & Pediatric Clinic in New Albany, Mississippi. Operated by a talented team of board-certified physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, your child will receive personalized care as they grow.

To learn more about well-child exams or child immunizations, book an appointment online or call the office today.