Make Sure Your Child Has the Proper Screening Tests and Immunizations
Below are the screening tests and immunizations that most children need, who needs them and how often.
Children Ages 0-2
Screenings
- Hearing screening before leaving hospital for all infants
- Visual impairments at least once for all infants
- APGAR scoring (a variety of tests to determine general health status) shortly after birth
- State-required screenings (some states require up to 30 screenings) shortly after birth
- Dental caries (cavities) after teething and before age 2
Immunizations
- Hepatitis B vaccine at birth, between one and two months and a final dose after six months
- Diphtheria at two months, four months, six months and a fourth dose six months after third dose
- Tetanus at two months, four months, six months and a fourth dose six months after third dose
- Pertussis at two months, four months, six months and a fourth dose six months after third dose
- Haemophilus at two months and four months
- Inactivated poliovirus at two months, four months and six months
- Pneumococcal at two months, four months and six months
- Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) once between 12 and 18 months
- Chickenpox (Varicella) once between 12 and 15 months for those infants who have not contracted chickenpox
- Inactivated influenza at six months and then annually during flu season
- Hepatitis A at age one and then once more at least six months later
- Rotavirus at two months, four months and six months
Children Ages 2-18
Screenings
- Dental caries every six months
- Vision at least once before age 5
- HIV at routine checkups for all adolescents at high risk
Immunizations
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) in three doses total, with the second dose at two months after the first and the third dose six months after the first, for all females ages 11 and 12
- Diphtheria dose between ages 4 and 6 and booster between ages 11 and 12
- Tetanus dose between ages 4 and 6 and booster between ages 11 and 12
- Pertussis dose between ages 4 and 6 and booster between ages 11 and 12
- Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) second dose recommended between ages 4 and 6
- Chickenpox (varicella) second dose recommended between ages 4 and 6
- Pneumococcal (polysaccharide) once after 2 for those at risk
- Influenza yearly for those at risk
- Inactivated polio in one dose between ages 4 and 6
- Meningococcal in one dose between ages 11 and 12; high-risk groups should receive one dose between ages 2 and 10
- Hepatitis A at age 2 and then once more at least six months later
Other Tips for Better Health
Screenings and immunizations are important, but taking advantage of additional services can help ensure that your child stays healthy. Below are just a few of the tips and tools that could go a long way toward helping you build your child’s comprehensive game plan for better health.
1. Find a Doctor for Your Child
Protect the health of your child for years to come by establishing a partnership with a pediatrician or family medicine physician.
2. Be Prepared for Emergencies
Make sure you know where to find our children’s emergency department and urgent care centers.
3. Protect Your Child from the Flu
Children are in close proximity to each other in places such as the classroom, dorm, cafeteria and playground. This closeness increases the risk of transmitting terms.
4. Help Your Child Maintain a Healthy Weight
Overweight and obese children are at higher risk for developing heart disease later on.
5. Help Your Child Stay Active for Better Health
From injury prevention and treatment to sports nutrition, Presbyterian provides comprehensive sports medicine care for athletes and active people of all ages.
The information provided by presbyterian.org is intended to educate readers about subjects pertinent to their health, not as a substitute for consultation with a personal healthcare provider.
