You’ve taken care of the lunch box and notebooks, but has the most important item on your child’s back-to-school list been done?
Physicians call annual wellness checks a key part of an overall plan for a child’s good health. Starting when they’re newborns, children should visit their doctor regularly. Gradually, these visits decrease until they’re needed only once annually for most kids.
Care during COVID-19
Nationwide studies have shown that well-child visits and routine vaccinations have sharply declined, particularly in lower-income populations, as the COVID-19 pandemic lingers. With children younger than 12 now among the most vulnerable to the virus, especially if they have underlying health conditions, it’s vital to get your children back to the family doctor or pediatrician.
Not Child’s Play
A well-child visit includes:
- A thorough physical exam to assess whether the child has met physical and developmental milestones
- Emotional/behavioral health assessment
- Blood pressure and heart rate assessment
- A rudimentary vision check
- Samples taken to check for anemia, high cholesterol and/or diabetes (performed at the doctor's discretion)
The physician will speak with your child about age-appropriate issues and encourage discussion about their concerns or questions. As your child grows older, these talks may include subjects such as puberty, sexual health, body image, alcohol and tobacco use, and more.
Well-Child Exams Covered
All of U-M’s Health Plans cover annual well-child exams and routine immunization with no member copay. See this schedule to plan which vaccines your child should receive, and when.
Don’t Forget COVID-19 Vaccine
You’re probably on COVID-19 info overload, but it’s worth repeating: Children ages 12 and older are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. If you have questions or concerns, consult with your child's physician.
Free vaccination clinics are offered throughout the country. For more information, see the state of Michigan's COVID-19 resource or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
