Just as you received preventive prenatal care while pregnant, your child needs regular preventive medical care to ensure his ongoing health. Health care professional Keri Cormier explains that regular preventive care (“well-child” care) is critical to ensure that your child is healthy and developing properly. And at Celebration Pediatrics in Celebration, FL, vaccinations are considered an essential part of that preventive care.
What Is Well-Child Care?
Kids grow and develop rapidly during the first few years of their lives. During these times of rapid development, it’s particularly important for your child’s pediatrician to see him regularly in order to identify problems early, encourage healthy behavior, and ensure that your child is meeting normal developmental milestones.
At each well-child visit, your child’s pediatrician will perform a complete physical exam and measure your child’s growth, physical development and cognitive development. Well-child visits also provide opportunities for parents (and kids) to ask questions about health and development.
After a baby is born, he or she should be seen by a pediatrician within about four days (your pediatrician will make a recommendation as to when your baby should be seen). After that, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends well-child visits according to the following schedule:
- By 1 month
- 2 months
- 4 months
- 6 months
- 9 months
- 1 year
- 15 months
- 18 months
- 2 years
- 3 years
- 4 years
- 5 years
- 6 years
- Each year after that until age 21
The Role of Vaccinations
Cormier explains that at Celebration Pediatrics in Celebration, FL, vaccinations – such as those that guard against polio, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, and chicken pox – are considered important elements of preventive care, protecting kids from diseases that can be extremely serious and, in some cases, even fatal.
“At Celebration Pediatrics, we follow the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) immunization guidelines,” explains Cormier. “We believe firmly that without vaccinating your child, you’re putting your child at risk for contracting diseases that could otherwise be prevented.”
Why Choose Celebration Pediatrics?
If your child is in need of well-child care and vaccinations in Celebration, FL, the caring, professional team at Celebration Pediatrics is ready to help. A board-certified pediatrician, Celebration Pediatrics’ Ruben Gonzalez-Florin, MD, is dedicated to providing state-of-the-art medical care to each and every one of his young patients. The friendly, knowledgeable staff at Celebration Pediatrics is committed to making every visit as pleasant as possible. For your child’s Celebration, FL, vaccinations and preventive care, Celebration Pediatrics is an excellent choice.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.