Does my child really need immunizations?

The answer is an emphatic “yes.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that immunizations are the best way to protect your child from many major diseases. Immunizations for hepatitis B should start at birth, usually before your baby ever leaves the hospital. Then, your child needs other immunizations as they grow.

The vaccinations that your child needs include:

• Hepatitis A and B
• Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis
• Haemophilus influenzae type b
• Polio
• Pneumococcal
• Rotavirus
• Influenza
• Varicella (chicken pox)
• Measles, mumps, and rubella

Your child gets the majority of their immunizations by the time they start school. They may not need any more immunizations until age 11-12, which is the time the HPV vaccine is generally recommended for both boys and girls.

In addition to all the health benefits of immunizations, immunizations are legally required for most kids today. Children in Pennsylvania public and private schools must have immunizations to attend school. Without the appropriate immunizations, your child could be sent home and not allowed to return without proof of immunization.

How often should my child see the doctor?

Pediatric and adolescent care is always personalized for the child at Lower Merion Family Medicine. In general, a pediatric and adolescent visit schedule may look like this.

• 3-5 days
• 1 month
• 2 months
• 4 months
• 6 months
• 9 months
• 12 months
• 15 months
• 18 months
• 2 years
• 2.5 years
• 3 years

After age 3, the Lower Merion Family Medicine doctors typically recommend yearly well-child visits throughout childhood and adolescence. Your child’s doctor can do immunizations during their well-child exams or during school or sports physicals as needed.

Are school and sports physicals different from well-child visits?

Yes. Well-child visits focus on whole-body health and preventive care while school and sports physicals are usually needed for specific purposes. For example, most school sports teams require all participants to pass a sports physical before they can play.

Children attending a public or private school in the state of Pennsylvania must have a school physical when they enter the school system for the first time, before sixth grade, and before 11th grade. These exams must be done during the four months immediately before the school year starts.

For compassionate pediatric and adolescent care, from immunizations to whole-child wellness, call Lower Merion Family Medicine, or use online booking today.