The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is a reminder of the vital need to protect our children against serious vaccine-preventable diseases. To keep them healthy, Texas Children’s Health Plan – The Center for Children and Women wants to remind you how important it is to bring your children in for all their well-child checkups.
Why well-child checkups and vaccinations are so important
Well-child checkups ensure that children are growing and developing properly. This is especially important in children younger than 3 years old, because they are changing quickly and need vaccines against diseases like measles, the flu and whooping cough. For older children, well-child checkups are also essential to check growth and development, in addition to making sure their vaccines are up to date.
For your children to become immune to a disease, they must get all the recommended doses. There have been outbreaks of serious diseases in children who did not get fully immunized.
What well-child checkups include
Vaccinations are just one reason to visit your provider. Well-child checkups are detailed medical examinations, which also include:
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Complete physical exams
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Hearing and vision checks
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Developmental screens for speech delay, learning disabilities and autism
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Routine blood tests when needed
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Referrals to specialty care and therapies when needed
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Depression and anxiety screening
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A time to ask any questions you may have for your provider
Do not skip your children’s well-child checkups.
The Center for Children and Women is open and safe. We continue to provide safe care when you come in-person for your appointments and practice social distancing, frequent handwashing and masking. We also offer video visits when possible. Call 832-828-1005 or click here to schedule your children’s well-child checkups and to make sure they are up to date on their vaccines.
Keeping your children safe during COVID-19
It is normal to be scared to get COVID-19. Although staying home is an important way to protect your children, we have taken actions to prevent the spread of the virus, such as sanitizing more often, screening all employees and visitors for symptoms, providing masks, and more. We highly encourage your family to continue practicing social distancing, to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, to wear a mask when you go out and to stay at home as much as possible.