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Well-child visits and immunizations

Kids grow up fast. Regular checkups and immunizations are covered 100% on most plans, helping them stay healthy and avoid serious illness.

What is a well-child visit and why does it matter? 

Well-child visits are routine checkups that support your child’s growth, immunizations, and overall health. These visits help establish a relationship with your child’s doctor to support their individual care needs.

  • A physical exam and health screening 
  • Immunizations and booster shots as needed 
  • Evaluation of your child’s growth and behavior development 
  • Discussion on your child’s nutrition and fitness needs 
  • Treatment for any illnesses or injuries 
  • A referral to additional health specialists, if required 

Learn more about well-child visits from the American Academy of Pediatrics

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How many visits does my child need?

Babies (Birth to 15 months)

Your little one should see a doctor every 2 - 3 months until they’re 15 months old. That’s about 6 or more visits.

Toddlers (15 to 30 months)

Between the ages of 15 and 30 months, visits can be more spaced out. It’s good to have at least 2 more visits.

Children (3+ years old)

By age 3, you’ve passed the early milestones (and are hopefully getting a bit more sleep). You can transition to 1 visit per year.

Recommended immunizations

Immunizations are medications, most often given as a shot, that safely build a child’s immune defenses. They help protect children from disease during the early years of life. 
 
As children grow, they get different immunizations to help safeguard their future health. 
 
See an immunization schedule from the American Academy of Pediatrics, or learn about vaccines from the CDC.

Newborn

  • Hepatitis B

2 months

  • Hepatitis B
  • DTaP (Diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis)
  • Hib (Haemophilus influenza type b)
  • Pneumococcal
  • Polio
  • Rotavirus*

4 months

  • DTaP (Diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis)
  • Hib (Haemophilus influenza type b)
  • Pneumococcal
  • Polio
  • Rotavirus*

6 months

  • Hepatitis B
  • DTaP (Diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis)
  • Hib (Haemophilus influenza type b)
  • Pneumococcal
  • Polio
  • Rotavirus*
  • Influenza (Anytime after 6 months)
  • COVID-19 (Anytime after 6 months)

12-15 months

  • DTaP (Diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis)
  • Hib (Haemophilus influenza type b)
  • Hepatitis A
  • Pneumococcal
  • MMR (Measles, mumps, rubella)
  • Varicella** (Chicken pox)

18 months

  • Hepatits A

Did you know?  
Some vaccines are combined, so 2 or 3 shots at a visit can protect against several diseases. Talk with your child’s doctor to learn more.   
 
* Some Select Health plans may not cover the rotavirus immunization. Check your plan materials to see what’s covered. 
** Your child shouldn’t need the varicella vaccine if they’ve already had the chicken pox. Confirm with your child’s provider.

Immunizations 
As early as 9 years old

  • HPV, 2 doses (6 months apart) 
    • 3 doses if the series is started at age 15

As early as 10 years old

  • Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough booster)
  • Meningococcal

 
Screenings 
Anytime between 24 - 72 months

  • Screening for lead in the blood

 
See adult screenings and immunizations

Immunization Schedule

Benefits of well-child visits

Monitor growth and development

Track your child’s growth and development by scheduling the recommended number of wellness visits by age.

Help prevent illness

At each well-child visit, your child's doctor will recommend immunizations and answer questions about how to prevent illness.

Build a relationsip

Through routine check-ups, your child’s primary care provider becomes your go-to resource for medical questions and care.

Where can I find a pediatrician for my child? 

Choosing a pediatrician or primary care provider for your child is the first step in their health care journey. You can easily find an in-network pediatrician on our website by searching for care in the location you need.

Need help finding a pediatrician? Call our Member Advocates team at 800-515-0220 for additional help.

Find a Doctor
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The content included here is for your information and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.