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Health Disparities
Did you know?
Six year olds are 20 percent less likely to get an annual checkup than three, four or five year olds? Help us change this statistic by scheduling an appointment for your child today! At six years of age, your child still needs an annual checkup.
Healthy Babies... Healthy Children
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children visit their pediatrician for a well-child visit as a newborn and at the following intervals:
| 1 month | 12 months | 3 years |
| 2 months | 15 months | 4 years |
| 6 months | 18 months | 5 years |
| 9 months | 24 months | 6 years and then annually |
Importance
During a well-child visit, your child's pediatrician will provide preventive care by assessing and tracking physical activity, behavioral, developmental and emotional status as your child grows. A well-child visit is a critical opportunity to detect a possible developmental delay or disability. Early treatment can lessen the future impact on both the child and the family.
Well-child visits are also a vital time for parent-doctor communication. Make the most of these visits by writing down important questions and concerns and take them with you. Sleep patterns and nutrition are just a few of the many topics parents inquire about.
Your child's doctor will also assess their age-appropriate body mass index (BMI) to make sure that they are in a healthy percentile range for their height and weight. As your child gets older, you will likely be asked questions about your child's exercise habits to ensure that they are getting the recommended physical activity.
Protect Your Child Against Serious Diseases
Well-child visits are a great way to make sure your child's immunizations are current. Studies show that children who are not vaccinated are at a much higher risk for getting sick.
A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that the implementation of routine childhood immunizations has caused the largest ever decline of some of the most devastating diseases in the United States. Diseases that once proved fatal are now highly preventable.
Vaccinate your infants and toddlers at every opportunity to promote full immunity against harmful, yet preventable childhood diseases.
What are the recommended doses and childhood immunizations?
- 4 doses of Diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis (DTaP)
- 3 doses of Inactivated poliovirus (IPV)
- 1 dose of Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)
- 3 doses of Haemophilus influenzae Type b (Hib)
- 3 doses of Hepatitis B (HepB)
- 1 dose of Varicella or chickenpox (VZV)
- 4 doses of Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV)
- 2 doses of Hepatitis A (HepA)
- 2 doses of Rotavirus
- 2 doses of Influenza (flu) vaccine
To view the recommended immunizations for your child, please visit cdc.gov/vaccines 
.
To view your child's well-visit status, please log in using your HAP ID and password, and select Health Reminders.
Be a Winner! (15 months and younger)
- If your baby receives six well-child visits by 15 months of age, their name will automatically be entered into a drawing to win one of our featured prizes.
- If he or she has already turned 15 months of age this year and has had all of the recommended visits, they have been automatically entered into the drawing.
- Please click on the link provided below for additional prize information:
Be a Winner! (3-6 year olds)
- If your child receives an annual well-child visit this year, their name will automatically be entered into a drawing to win one of our featured prizes.
- If he or she has already had their checkup, they have been entered into the drawing.
- Please click on the links provided below for additional prize information:
Learn the facts, share the facts and save lives:
Sources:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Childhood Immunization Schedule, 2012.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Child Development, 2012.
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Well-Child-Care – A Check-Up for Success, 2012.
