Overview: Well child exams are part of your child’s life from the very beginning of life, from meeting developmental milestones to staying on track with immunizations.
From childhood through adulthood, all of us should have an annual wellness exam. For children, wellness exams are vitally important for checking their growth and development, and as their parent, you want them to understand you don’t only see your provider when you’re sick. Modeling good behavior by taking your child to annual wellness exams, as well as going to your own, provides them with a healthy routine to follow in the future.
Having a good relationship with your primary care provider who knows your child’s health history helps immensely as your child gets older. These exams offer a year-to-year picture of your child’s health and make it easier to notice any changes that may be concerning.
What vaccinations are recommended for my child?
Children also should have an annual wellness visit each year to ensure they’re up to date with their age-appropriate immunizations and boosters. It's recommended children have the following vaccinations by certain ages.
here's a breakdown by a child’s year in school:
By Kindergarten:
- Mumps, Measels and Rubella (MMR)
- Chickenpox (varicella)
- Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (DTaP)
- Hepatitis A (optional) and Hepatitis B
7th - 8th grade:
- Meningitis ACYW
- DTap booster
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) (optional)
9th grade - college
- Meningitis B
Influenza and the current COVID vaccines are recommended for everyone annually.
What to expect during the visit
So, what happens during a wellness exam? The exam takes about 30 minutes. Your provider will ask questions about your child’s health and if you have any concerns you would like to address. As your child ages, they can answer these questions on their own, and around age 12, your child’s provider may ask you to leave the room to talk with your child privately. This gives your child’s provider an opportunity to assess their safety and share any health concerns they have without you being present. The medical exam includes:
- Height and weight
- A review of developmental milestones
- Skin
- Hearing and vision
- Heart/blood pressure
- Abdomen
- Lungs
- Lymph nodes
- Nervous system
- Mental health
- Blood tests are possible, depending on past health issues, such as thyroid disorders.
In addition to general health check-up, your provider will:
- Vaccinations: Ensure vaccinations/immunizations are current, particularly seasonal immunizations, such as flu and Covid-19 vaccinations.
- Concerns: Address any concerns you have regarding symptoms your child is experiencing.
- Home life: Visit with you about your home environment to ensure safety.
- Sports: Establish that your child is in good health for athletics, if applicable, and sign their physical form for school.
- Diet and exercise: Talk with you about your child’s diet and exercise routine and make suggestions for achieving and maintaining healthy habits.
- Referrals: Make referrals to other specialists if needed, such as a dermatologist.
- Questions: Answer all of your questions.
Referrals and follow-up visits
If your provider refers your child to a specialist or asks you to come back for further testing at a follow-up visit, don't be alarmed. This is one of the reasons a wellness exam is so important. Preventive care means you're made aware of health issues early, which offers a better chance for a positive outcome.
After your child’s wellness exam is complete, you'll feel peace of mind about the status of their health. Being proactive about wellness i and yearly visits with your provider make it easier for both of you to address health concerns more effectively.
Is your child overdue for an annual exam? Are they up to date with their immunizations? Make an appointment today with your child’s primary care provider and stay connected to your family’s health with MyChart.
This blog was medically reviewed by a MercyOne provider.
