Well Child Care
Regular well child check-ups are important to monitor your child's growth and development, as well as discuss important health topics pertinent to your child's age and medical issues.
Infants and toddlers are seen more frequently to monitor them during their period of rapid growth and change.
It is recommended that all older children and adolescents get yearly physicals, preferably in their birthday month.
We require that a full physical exam has been performed in our office before any immunizations can be given.
A parent or legal guardian must also be present for all well visits as well as any immunization administrations.
Children playing sports often require YEARLY clearance.
Ages & Stages Questionnaires
Print and fill out the appropriate Ages & Stages Questionnaire and Forms for your child's upcoming visit.
Some visits have multiple Ages & Stages questionnaires. Select the questionnaire that matches the child’s age on the date it is filled out.
If your baby was born before 37 0/7 weeks, please use their adjusted age to find the correct questionnaire. For example a baby who is 9 months old, but was born at 36 weeks would fill out an 8 mo questionnaire. This only applies to children up to age 2. After age 2, use the questionnaire that matches the child’s age on the date it is filled out.
Unsure what questionnaire to use? Click here.
Well Visit Schedules
* Combination Vaccines
- Vaxelis (DTaP-Hib-Hep B-IPV) - Diptheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (Whooping Cough), Haemophilus Influenza (not "the flu vaccine", Polio
** There are 2 types of meningitis vaccines:
- Menquadfi (Men-4) covers 4 strains of Meningitis: A, C, W-135, and Y. These strains are more common during the early adolescence, although certain groups of children may be more susceptible (Children with no spleen, Immunocompromised children).
- Trumenba (Meningitis B), covers the strain of Meningitis more commonly seen in people ages 17-25. It is recommended for young adults who are at a greater risk (Living in a dorm, or barracks, Children with no spleen, Immunocompromised children, or people working in a lab with Meningitis bacteria).
***If HPV started after age 15, 3 doses are required
NOTE: ALL VACCINES AT KIDS FIRST PEDIATRICS ARE PRESERVATIVE FREE!
Flu Vaccines
IT'S NOT TOO LATE FOR YOUR ANNUAL FLU VACCINE!
Influenza season usually runs from late November until late spring, and we have been seeing a lot of flu this year. We still have flu vaccine available, which can give your body a running start in preventing severe influenza, even in a mismatch year. Please call our office to schedule a vaccine visit.
WHAT IS THE FLU?
Influenza is not a cold and is not a primary vomiting and diarrheal illness (though those can be associated symptoms). Flu is characterized by a SUDDEN ONSET of typically high fever, muscle aches, and severe fatigue. Associated symptoms include headache, sore throat, congestion and cough. If diagnosed in the first 48 hours, there is opportunity to offer Tamiflu, a medication that can shorten the course of symptoms. The primary concern with influenza is severe illness, including associated pneumonia, and in a worst case scenario, death. Every year, previously normal healthy children die from flu. Having been vaccinated with the flu vaccine has been shown to decrease risk of severe illness and death, even in a mismatch year.
Every fall, Kids First Pediatrics offers numerous flu vaccine clinics during business hours and on weekends for your convenience. Please call (815) 609-5437 to schedule your children's flu shot
AAP recommends ALL children aged 6 months - 18 years receive a flu vaccine.
It is recommended that all household contacts of infants under age 6 months receive a flu vaccine to protect the young infant.
Children under the age of 9 getting the flu vaccine for the 1st time need 2 doses (minimum 4-6 weeks apart).
Healthy children two years and above can get Flumist Nasal spray (if available) instead of the flu shot. Please speak to your healthcare provider for availability
Vaccine Information
Vaccine Information from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
- This answers many questions about the different Immunizations that are recommended by the providers at Kids First Pediatrics
Vaccine Information Sheets from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
- These are the information sheets for the immunizations recommended by the providers at Kids First Pediatrics