Are your kids heading back to school? Whether your child is going to school in person or not, one of the most important things that you can do to prepare them for back-to-school is a visit with their doctor. For many people, the COVID-19 pandemic delayed or pushed back routine doctor visits, including well-child visits and routine vaccinations. Now is the time to get back on track!
Since August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM), we figured this would be the perfect time to remind Skagit County families to get caught up on all routine medical appointments! NIAM is an annual observance which highlights the importance of getting recommended vaccines throughout your life.
During NIAM, we encourage you to talk to your doctor or healthcare professional to ensure that you and your family are protected against serious diseases by getting caught up on routine check-ups and vaccinations.
So let’s get ready for back-to-school! Here’s a checklist to help them prepare for a healthy year…
Physical & mental health
During a well-child check, doctors will note a child’s growth and development, based on what’s typical or expected for their age, while also taking into account the child’s personal or family history.
And perhaps of equal importance—and especially so this year—a check-up with your child’s doctor provides a fantastic opportunity to check in on your kiddo’s mental and emotional wellbeing. Talk with your child’s doctor about mental health assessments and discuss any concerns that you may have. We all know that this past year and a half has been tough, so be sure to keep both the head and the heart in mind!
Visit here for more tips on well-child visits.
Vaccinations
One important aspect of the annual visit is to ensure a child’s immunizations are up to date. Vaccinations not only reduce the risk of serious illnesses but also save lives. And vaccinations aren’t only for babies or the very young. As children get older, they will continue to need additional immunizations and booster shots even through adulthood.
As your children head back to school this fall, it’s particularly important for you to work with your child’s doctor or nurse to make sure they get caught up on missed well-child visits and recommended vaccines. For childhood vaccine schedules, check out the links below:
Vaccine Schedule: Birth – 6 Years
Vaccine Schedule: 7 Years – 18 Years
One of the new vaccines this year is, of course, for COVID-19. Children ages 12 and older are now eligible for this vaccination, which will help protect them against the virus and reduce its spread in our communities. To learn more about COVID-19 vaccination, check out the following websites:
Adults: Remember to take care of yourself too! Make sure to receive any vaccines you need to stay healthy. Use CDC’s adult vaccine assessment tool to see which vaccines might be right for you.
Additional exams
In addition to having their overall physical and mental health checked, kids should also have the following special exams on a regular basis:
- Hearing tests.
- Vision exams.
- Dental checkups.
- For young girls who are going or have gone through puberty, chat with your provider about whether or when they should begin seeing a specialist.
More tips for a healthy year
Here are some more helpful tips to ensure your child is off to a good start this fall:
- Ease into a fall bedtime schedule. Good sleep is essential!
- Know the safety tips for backpack use. Note the fit and keep the weight manageable.
- Plan lunches and snacks. Aim for well-balanced nourishing meals.
- Reduce anxiety and manage stress. Keep the lines of communication open to talk about what’s on your child’s mind.
Schedule your child’s visit
Now is a good time to call your healthcare provider to schedule a visit for yourself and your children. For those who do not have a healthcare provider or who may be struggling to access healthcare, there is help available.
Help Me Grow Skagit provides a wide range of resources designed to support you and your family. Go to their website or call/ text (360) 630-8352 to talk to a specialist or complete their contact form online.