Doctor lists why it’s essential to keep up with well-child visits and immunizations

It has been months since the new coronavirus got a toehold in Whatcom County. The sometimes-deadly virus upended life as we knew it, putting on hold life as we knew it.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continued and stay-at-home policies were put in place, some felt it was too risky to seek medical care, even routine vaccinations.

But waiting too long to take preventative care can lead to complications later on. While there are reports of parents avoiding taking their children to the doctor during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s essential to keep up with well-child visits and immunizations, according to Dr. Harpreet Nagra, a PeaceHealth Medical Group pediatrician.

Babies were born during the pandemic. They, too, need attention.

Many pediatric practices are prioritizing in-person visits for newborns, infants and children through 24 months of age. Visits are also important for school-age children and adolescents who are due for routine immunizations.

Nagra advises that children younger than 2 years continue their routine well-child check visits so their growth and development can be monitored as well as the vaccine schedule so it remains up to date.

“Monitoring development is essential at this age to allow for identification of delays that allow for early referral to developmental support services that give children the best chance to stay healthy and on target,” Nagra said. “This includes monitoring for early signs of autism and checking for vision or hearing concerns.”

Typically, vaccines are due at 2, 4, 6, 12, 15, 18 years, according to Nagra. A routine screening for anemia is also completed at 9 months of age and lead screenings at 12 and 24 months of age.

“Though we encourage yearly well-child check visits, the next critical visit is the kindergarten readiness visit that includes booster immunizations and should occur between 4 and 6 years of age, and includes vision and hearing screens.”

Entering seventh grade, or turning 11 years of age, involves the need for a booster vaccination for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. It also signals the initiation of vaccinations for meningococcal meningitis and HPV, a virus known to cause several common cancers, including cervical cancer, along with a repeat vision and hearing screens.

Even during years when vaccinations are not due, yearly well-child checks provide an opportunity for you to touch base with your pediatrician regarding anticipatory guidance on developmental needs, puberty, safety and healthy diet and exercise.

Your provider will monitor growth, blood pressure, heart rate and perform a vision screen.

Starting at age 12 years, yearly screening for warning signs of substance abuse or depression are performed, which becomes even more critical during times when children’s lives are under stress, such as with the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Once fall hits, Nagra recommends that all children ages 6 months and older receive vaccination against the influenza virus.

Lastly don’t forget to complete your first dental exam once the first tooth has erupted, and continue with routine follow-up dental exams every 6 months, Nagra said.

Talk to your pediatrician about which visits are most essential, and which, if any, can be conducted by phone or other means.