By scheduling your child’s well visit now, you can avoid conflicts with other important childhood immunizations later.
By all indications, your 12 to 15 year old could be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccination before the start of school in September – potentially as early as summer. This is great news, but it’s also a reminder to make sure other aspects of your child’s health are up to date beforehand.
Just as with adults, the COVID vaccine can’t be given within two weeks of other immunizations. With camp form requirements on the horizon and the rush to secure school and sports physicals at the end of the summer, now is the perfect time to see your pediatrician so you can avoid unnecessary scheduling conflicts.
Additionally, if you have a child heading off to college for the first time, it’s recommended that they receive a meningitis B vaccine series before moving into the dorms. The months of April, May and June are ideal months for your teen to see their pediatrician to complete any necessary school forms, make sure they are fully protected from meningitis before they head to campus later in the summer -- and be able to receive the COVID-19 vaccine if they haven’t already.
Vaccinations aren’t the only reason that it is important to keep on track with well-child visits. Keeping a regular schedule allows your child’s pediatrician to accurately monitor their growth and look for subtle signs that something is off developmentally. It allows them to have conversations with parents and kids about changes in sleep, eating and other lifestyle habits that could signal more serious health problems.
When it comes to your child’s health, we are here for you and your family and are ready to help!
Dr. Amanda Menco is a pediatrician with Scarsdale Medical Group, seeing patients in the Mamaroneck location. To make an appointment, please call the Pediatrics Department at 914-989-1111.