Learn About Your Child’s Preventive Healthcare

Preventive care helps keep your child healthy. It is important to make this type of care a priority. Preventive care includes immunizations (shots), tests and preventive healthcare counseling. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and Dean Health Plan recommend these guidelines and procedures for children.

Neonatal Screening

This screening is a laboratory test used to detect rare, inherited diseases in newborns. The test should be done during the first 48 hours after birth (usually at the hospital) and is required by Wisconsin state law.

Measurements

Taking measurements is one method your child’s healthcare provider uses to check that your child is growing properly. Your child’s height and weight should be measured as part of every physical exam. Your child’s head circumference should also be measured during physical exams until age 2.

Physical Exams

A physical exam is an important way for a healthcare provider to check your child’s growth and development. At least six exams are required from your child’s birth to age 18 months. Your child will get shots at these exams. From ages 2 to 6, your child needs an annual exam. From ages 7 to 18, your child needs an exam every other year. However, your child’s healthcare provider may wish to see your child more often.

Anemia Testing

A blood sample should be taken sometime during the first year of life to check for anemia. Anemia in children is usually caused by a diet low in iron.

Lead Testing

Your child’s healthcare provider should take a blood sample or a risk-based assessment between ages 9 and 15 months to check for lead exposure.

Blood Pressure Check

An inflatable cuff is used to measure the pressure of blood flowing in your child’s arm. Your child’s blood pressure should be measured starting at age 3 and then as a part of later physical exams.

Eye and Vision Exams

Your child’s healthcare provider should check your child’s eyes during the first 18 months to detect ocular misalignment (being cross-eyed). Your child’s vision should be checked before starting school as part of every regular physical exam between ages 3 and 5. Other vision screenings may be done if problems are suspected.

Nutrition and Exercise Counseling

Your child’s diet and exercise are important for good health. During physical exams, your child’s healthcare provider should talk with you and your child about diet, nutrition and exercise.

Injury Prevention Counseling

Children should always use safety devices such as seat belts, car seats and bicycle helmets, as well as other methods of injury prevention. Using safety devices can help keep your child safe from serious injuries. Your child’s healthcare provider should counsel you and answer questions about age-appropriate health and safety issues.

Substance Use Counseling

Avoiding tobacco, alcohol and illegal drugs can help prevent illness. Your child’s healthcare provider can counsel you and your child about avoiding tobacco, alcohol and illegal drugs. Your child’s healthcare provider should question your adolescent about any use of tobacco, alcohol and drugs.

Sexual Counseling

Your child’s healthcare provider should counsel you and your adolescent on sexual development and behavior, and how to avoid sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancy.

Immunizations

Childhood shots prevent certain infectious diseases. Your child needs to get the following shots:

• Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTaP) at ages 2, 4 and 6 months; once between ages 12 and 18 months; and once between ages 4 and 6 years
• Polio at ages 2, 4, and 6 to 9 months and once between ages 4 and 6 years
• Hepatitis B (Hep B) in three doses at appropriate intervals in the first 12 months of life, or at age 11 years (if not previously immunized) at appropriate intervals
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) at ages 2, 4 and 6 months (if necessary) and once between ages 12 and 15 months
• Pneumococcus (PCV7) at ages 2, 4 and 6 months and once between ages 12 and 15 months
• Influenza shot between ages 6 and 23 months
• Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) once between ages 12 and 15 months and once between ages 4 and 6 years
• Varicella (chickenpox) between ages 12 and 15 months
• Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis booster (Tdap) once between ages 11 and 18
• Meningococcus (MCV4) between ages 11 and 14 years, and any teenager younger than age 19 who has not previously received the vaccine

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