FAQs
Q: “Is there a vaccine schedule that explains when my child should get each vaccine?”
A: Yes, click here to download the recommended vaccine schedule.
Q: “Are there any online resources you recommend where I can get answers to everyday questions I have about my child’s health?”
A: Yes, we highly recommend HealthyChildren.org.
Q: “I’m still looking for a pediatrician. Do you have any advice?”
A: Choosing a pediatrician can be scary. You should make a list of qualities you want to find. Here are some we think are important:
- Compassionate and empathetic doctors
- Available when you need them (same day sick visits)
- Interact well with your child
- Provide a cheerful office environment
- Have separate sick and well waiting rooms
- Your child asks for the doctor by name
Q: How often should my child see the pediatrician?
A: Your child should not only see the pediatrician for an illness. It is also important to schedule well-child-care exams regularly, beginning in infancy. Also called well-care visits or checkups, these routine examinations provide the best opportunity for the doctor to observe the progress of your child's physical and mental growth and development; to counsel and teach parents; to detect problems through screening tests; to provide immunizations, and to get to know one another. Well-care visits are strongly recommended as part of preventive pediatric care.
The first office visit, 3-5 days after birth, is an extremely important visit. At this "follow-up" office visit, we address feeding issues, jaundice, and a myriad of other questions that can come up in those first precious few days of life.
Well-child visits are also a good time for parents to raise questions and concerns about a child's development, behavior, nutrition, safety and overall well-being. In addition, The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends this schedule for routine well-care visits:
- 2 weeks
- 2 months
- 4 months
- 6 months
- 9 months
- 12 months
- 15 months
- 18 months
- 24 months
- 3 years
And once every year thereafter for an annual health supervision visit that includes a physical exam as well as a developmental, behavioral, and learning assessment.
Q: Why does my child need to receive vaccinations?
A: Immunizations are a series of shots given to children at different ages to help ward off serious, and potentially fatal, childhood diseases. Making sure your child receives immunizations when scheduled is the best way to help protect your child from potentially fatal diseases. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, vaccinations have reduced the number of infections from vaccine-preventable diseases by more than 90%. If you're apprehensive about vaccinations, please do not hesitate to contact our office.