Intermountain Health recommends scheduling well-child checkups and immunizations early in the summer to avoid the back-to-school rush and ensure children’s physical and mental health. These visits include comprehensive evaluations, mental health screenings, and necessary immunizations to prepare children for the upcoming school year. Scheduling early allows for more appointment availability and reduces stress as the school year approaches.
Schedule Your Child’s Check-ups and Immunizations Now to Beat the Back-to-School Rush
Well-child checks, immunizations, sports evaluations should all be scheduled soon
It may seem like summer has just started, but school will be here before we know it. In order to beat the rush, Intermountain Health says scheduling well-visit checkups now will ease the stress of getting ready to go back-to-school later.
“Just before school starts, our pediatric clinics typically get really busy,” said Tamara Sheffield, MD, medical director for immunization programs for Intermountain Health. “Earlier in the summer we have more clinic appointments available, so it’s easier to choose a time that’s best for you.”
A well-child checkup can help ensure children’s physical and mental health.
“The well child visit is an opportunity for a comprehensive evaluation and discussion about the well-being of the child, from physical health to mental health,” said Brett Ipson, MD, a pediatrician with Intermountain Children’s Health. “These screenings help children from infancy through adolescence live the healthiest lives possible.”
At well child visits, many pediatricians provide mental health screenings for depression, anxiety, and suicide risk for teens and pre-teens, Dr. Ipson said.
They also check in with the patient and their family on the child’s emotional and behavioral concerns, academic well-being, and health-related social needs. These screenings are recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics to promote health for children of all ages and developmental stages.
Well-child visits also include important immunizations, developmental assessments, vision and blood pressure screenings, and other guidance for parents to help kids stay healthy, Dr. Ipson said. In addition, they present an opportunity to complete medical forms required for school activities.
“Your family pediatrician can help you know what vaccines are recommended and when your child should receive them,” said Dr. Sheffield.
“Vaccines are also available from your local health department. Even if you don’t have insurance, the Vaccines for Children Program is available to those who qualify,” she added.
Children can be protected from the following diseases through vaccination:
- Influenza (flu)
- HPV
- Measles
- Mumps
- Rubella
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
- Pertussis (whooping cough)
- Polio
- Hepatitis A and B
- Varicella (chickenpox)
- Haemophilus influenzae type B (HIB)
- Meningitis
- Pneumonia
- COVID
In addition to school-required vaccines, the HPV vaccine is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics for kids between the age of 9 and 12 years old to prevent six different types of cancer.
Influenza and COVID vaccines help protect against severe respiratory viruses that spread around the community during the school year.
“We insist on seat belts, helmets, and other safety precautions for our children to keep them safe,” said Dr. Sheffield. “Vaccines are just one more way we work to keep our children healthy and safe.”
For more information visit https://intermountainhealthcare.org/services/pediatrics/
This is an article written by an employee of Intermountain Health in collaboration with Cedar Valley Sentinel. It is used with permission on Cedar Valley Sentinel. Copyright stays with Intermountain Health.