Pediatric Health Guide
Check-Up Visits:
Check-up visits are important because they allow your health care provider to review your child's growth and development, perform tests or give shots. To help your provider get a complete picture of your child's health status, be sure to bring your child's health record and a list of any medications your child is taking to each visit.
Some authorities recommend check-up visits at the following ages: 2-4 weeks, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 months; 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18 years of age.
Immunizations:
Your child needs immunizations. Immunizations protect your child from many serious diseases. Below is a list of immunizations and the ages when your child should receive them. Immunizations should be given at the recommended ages--even if your child has a cold or illness at the time.
- Polio (OPV or IPV): At 2 months, 4 months, 6-18 months, and 4-6 years.
- Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP,DTP): At 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 14-18 months, and 4-6 years. Tetanus-Diphtheria (Td) at 11-16 months.
- Measles-Mumps_Rubella (MMR): At 12-15 months and EITHER 4-6 years OR 11-12 years.
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib): At 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 12-15 months; OR 2 months, 4 months and 12-15 months depending on the vaccine type.
- Hepatitis B (HBV)L At birth-2 months, 1-4 months, and 6-18 months.
- Chicken pox (VZV): At 1-12 years. Periodically, timing for immunizations may change.
- Or call Every Child By Two at (202)651-7276.
Newborn Screening:
These blood tests should be done before your baby is 7 days old. They are usually done just before your baby leaves the hospital. If the blood tests were done earlier than 24 hours after birth, a repeat test at 1 to 2 weeks of age is recommended. Common newborn screening tests include those for PKU, thyroid and sickle cell disease.
Blood Pressure checks:
Your child should have blood pressure measurements regularly, starting at around 3 years of age. High blood pressure in children needs immediate medical attention. It may be a sign of underlying disease and, if not treated, may lead to serious illness. Check with your physician about checking your child's blood pressure.
Lead:
Lead can harm your child, slowing physical and mental growth and damaging many parts of the body. The most common way children get lead poisoning is by being around old house paint that is chipping or peeling. Some authorities recommend lead tests at 1 and 2 years of age.
Use a check mark to mark "yes" answers to the questions below. Any "yes" answers may mean that your child needs lead tests earlier and more often than other children.
Has your child:
- Lived in or regularly visited a house built before 1950? (This could include a day care center, preschool, the home of a babysitter or relative, etc.)
- Lived in or regularly visited a house built before 1978? (the year lead-based paint was banned for residential use) with recent, ongoing, or planned renovation or remodeling?
- Had a brother or sister, housemate, or playmate followed or treated for lead poisoning?
LINKS:
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© Copyright May 2000 by Ken Jones RN.
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