By Dr. Elizabeth Gower, Town Center Pediatrics
Now is a great time to schedule a well-child visit to make sure your child is up to date on vaccinations, and to also check on health issues that need to be addressed before going back to school in the fall.
Waiting until late in the summer to schedule your back-to-school visit is risky, since pediatrician’s schedules are usually packed at that time. Book your visit now to make ensure your child is protected from disease and is able to begin school without delay.
Childhood vaccination rates slipped during the pandemic as many families postponed non-urgent visits to the doctor, so it’s important to make sure your child is on track. Sometimes, a child needs to catch up on vaccines that require proper spacing, so don’t delay making this important visit.
CHKD Medical Group pediatricians follow a recommended schedule from the American Academy of Pediatrics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Virginia Department of Health.
Vaccine recommendations can change over time. For instance, beginning in 2021, required vaccines for students in Virginia now include meningitis, HPV, and hepatitis A. For a full description of what is required for school entry, check this Virginia Department of Health graphic.
In addition to the vaccines required for school, it’s also a good idea for eligible children to have vaccines to protect them from COVID-19.
It’s important for a pediatrician to check your child for any health problems, make sure that developmental milestones are being reached, and also check on any mental health or nutrition concerns.
Your child’s pediatrician is your best source for information regarding your child’s health, so reach out and make an appointment today.
