To ensure the best possible health for your child, it’s crucial to establish a strong and reliable relationship between you, your child, and their pediatrician. Internal Medicine & Pediatric Clinic, one of the best clinics in the Southeast, houses a team of trusted and experienced pediatricians who can help your child with all their healthcare needs, including preventive health services such as immunizations and well-child exams. Learn more about routine well-child exams and immunizations today by calling our office or booking your appointment online.
Even if your child is seemingly in relatively good health, it’s always important to put them through a routine annual appointment with their pediatrician to have a clear picture on their development and health. With a well-child exam, or a well-child visit, your child will be given a routine general health exam every year by their pediatrician at Internal Medicine & Pediatric Clinic.
During the well-child exam, your child’s pediatrician will review your child’s general health and development, taking note of their blood pressure, weight, height, and the condition of their heart and lungs. A physical examination will also be undertaken to check for any abnormalities, as well as assess the child’s flexibility and strength.
For children with chronic medical conditions, the pediatrician will go over their existing treatment plan and suggest any changes to their lifestyle or medications to better improve their treatment and reduce symptoms.
The annual well-child exam is also the perfect time to make sure that your child has all their necessary immunizations.
A child wellness exam will begin with a discussion with your child’s pediatrician about any changes or concerns to your child's body or health that may have happened since their last well visit. Your pediatrician will assess your child's development to see if they are hitting all of the appropriate developmental milestones for their age.
Your child's pediatrician will assess your child's overall health during the well-child exam, noting your child's blood pressure, weight, height, and the health of their heart and lungs. Hearing, vision, and other screening tests will be part of some visits. Your pediatrician will also calculate body mass index (BMI) to know if your child’s growth rate is normal. Depending on the age of the child, immunizations or vaccinations will be administered to protect his or her body from certain diseases. During your visit, you should be ready to answer whatever questions or concerns the pediatrician has about the child’s health. The doctor will also give suggestions regarding the child’s development. The annual well-child exam is also the perfect time to make sure that your child has all their necessary immunizations.
Young children should receive a variety of vaccines to protect them against communicable infections since their immune systems are still growing and susceptible. These vaccinations increase their resistance to particular ailments. To handle your child's admission or registration, schools and other organizations often demand comprehensive vaccination records.
Some of the conditions that immunizations protect children from include:
Our pediatricians always recommend that a child should receive an annual seasonal flu shot.
As young children still have vulnerable and developing immune systems, it’s important for them to have a host of immunizations to keep them safe from contagious diseases. These immunizations build their immunities to certain conditions. Schools and other organizations tend to require complete records of immunization to process your child’s acceptance or registration.
Our pediatricians at Internal Medicine & Pediatric Clinic follow the CDC’s immunizations guidelines, which are based on the current age of your child. We also recommend alternatives for children who can’t safely tolerate certain immunizations.
Some of the conditions that immunizations protect children from include:
Finally, our pediatricians always recommend that a child should receive an annual seasonal flu shot.
Yes, immunizations are safe and are the best way to ensure that your child is protected from possible long-term health difficulties caused by contagious diseases. Immunizations give your child the disease resistance they need while their immune systems are still in their young, vulnerable, developing stages.
You and your child can expect mild side effects from immunizations, mainly swelling or bruising at the site of injection. These side effects should fade away and heal within a few days after the treatment.
For any other concerns or questions regarding immunizations for children, discuss with your pediatrician or call our office today, and book your child’s well-child appointment online.
Well-child examinations are an essential aspect of your child's healthcare routine. These routine check-ups aim to promote your child's physical, emotional, and psychological development by identifying any potential health problems before they become serious.
During these exams, your pediatrician will conduct a physical assessment, check your child's development milestones, and update any necessary immunizations. These visits provide a way to keep track of the growth and development of your child and ensure that they are receiving the care they need to thrive.
Immunizations are one of the most effective ways to protect your child from a range of serious illnesses. By getting your child vaccinated, they are protected from diseases such as measles, mumps, polio, and more. Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies that fight off disease-causing bacteria and viruses. This helps prevent your child from getting sick and spreading diseases to others while also ensuring that your child is healthy and able to live a happy and active life.
The immunization schedule is a set of guidelines that recommend when a child should receive specific vaccines. These guidelines are set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and aim to provide the best possible protection from serious illnesses. Vaccines are typically given on a specific schedule to ensure that your child receives the maximum protection possible. Follow the recommended schedule to ensure your child stays up to date with their immunizations and continues to get the best possible protection.
There are many different vaccines that are recommended for children. Some common vaccines include the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis), and HPV (human papillomavirus).
The MMR vaccine protects against three viral infections: measles, mumps, and rubella. Measles can cause severe complications, including pneumonia and brain inflammation. Mumps can lead to swelling of the salivary glands and potential complications like meningitis. Rubella (German measles) is especially risky for pregnant women as it can cause birth defects. The MMR vaccine provides immunity against these diseases, preventing their spread and potential complications.
The DTaP vaccine protects against three bacterial infections: diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw), and pertussis (whooping cough). Diphtheria can lead to severe respiratory and heart problems. Tetanus causes muscle stiffness and spasms, which can be life-threatening. Pertussis is highly contagious and can result in severe coughing fits, difficulty breathing, and complications, especially in infants. The DTaP vaccine provides protection against these bacterial infections, reducing the risk of serious illness and potential complications.
The polio vaccine prevents polio, a highly contagious viral disease that can cause paralysis and even death. Polio mainly affects children under the age of 5. Vaccination has been instrumental in the near-eradication of polio globally, with a few isolated pockets remaining. The polio vaccine stimulates the immune system to develop immunity against the poliovirus, effectively preventing the disease and its devastating consequences.
The Hib vaccine protects against Haemophilus influenzae type b, a bacterium that can cause severe infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, and throat infections in young children. The Hib vaccine has significantly reduced the incidence of these serious illnesses and their associated complications, offering protection and promoting overall health in children.
The hepatitis B vaccine protects against the hepatitis B virus, which can lead to chronic liver infection, liver cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Hepatitis B is transmitted through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids. Administering the hepatitis B vaccine at birth and following the recommended schedule helps prevent the transmission of the virus, offering long-term protection against hepatitis B-related complications.
Each vaccine is designed to protect your child from specific diseases by producing antibodies that fight off the disease-causing bacteria or viruses. These particular childhood vaccines have proven efficacy and safety records, and they play a crucial role in protecting children from preventable diseases.
By receiving these vaccines, children not only safeguard their own health but also contribute to community immunity, reducing the spread of infectious diseases and ensuring a healthier future for all. Immunizations are a vital component of your child's health care and can prevent them from being at risk of severe illness.
It's important to schedule regular well-child check-ups for your child to ensure their optimal health and development. Regular immunizations can also help keep your child protected from potentially severe illnesses. Stay aware of immunization schedules and vaccine recommendations as they are adjusted, and don't hesitate to consult with your child’s healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.
Helping your child maintain a healthy lifestyle requires a proactive approach, and taking the time to ensure that they receive consistent care can make all the difference in their long-term health and happiness. You can schedule your appointment by calling our New Albany office or using our online booking feature. You can also search for “well child exams,” “child wellness exams near me,” or “child immunizations near me” to find us!
