Child Immunizations 101: Well-Child Exams Checklist

Children should have well-child exams regularly so our skilled pediatricians can monitor their growth and development from one visit to the next. The frequency of these visits depends on your child’s age and overall health.

At American Pediatrics, our comprehensive well-child exams include a physical exam, preventive screenings, and immunizations.

If you’re not sure what immunizations your child will receive at their routine exams, we’ve outlined the typical schedule we follow as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Why immunizations are important

Immunizations protect children from contagious diseases that spread through person-to-person contact. Several immunizations are needed soon after birth and throughout childhood because your child’s immune system is still developing.

Without immunizations, your child may be at increased risk for serious illnesses that can lead to hospitalization, ongoing health complications, and premature death.

Immunizations work by introducing viruses to the body, so your immune system can build a defense against them. If you come into contact with the virus later, your body is better prepared to fight it, lessening your risk for serious illness.

Some immunizations lose their effectiveness over time. For this reason, your child will need boosters of certain vaccines through childhood and adulthood.

Immunization schedules ages 0-6

There are several immunizations recommended for children soon after birth through six years old. These immunizations protect against serious illness from:

• Polio (IPV)
• Rotavirus (RV)
• Hepatitis A and B
• Chickenpox (varicella)
• Pneumococcal disease (PCV13, PCV15)
• Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib)
• Diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus (Dtap)
• Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)

Children should also get a seasonal flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine, especially if they have chronic respiratory illnesses like asthma or other underlying medical conditions.

Immunizations schedules ages 7-18

Children aged 7-18 should receive updates to their Dtap immunizations between 11 and 12 years old. They also need annual updates on flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.

Adolescents can also get immunizations that protect against meningococcal disease (MenACWY), meningococcal disease (MenB), and human papillomavirus (HPV).

If your child has allergies or other health concerns that limit what immunizations they can receive, our pediatric specialists discuss strategies you can use to lower their risk for illness. If you’re unsure about the safety of any immunization your child needs, speak with our providers before declining recommended vaccinations.

When to schedule well-child exams

Well-child exams are available in our office for children of all ages. Our physicians recommend scheduling the first visit soon after your discharge from the hospital following childbirth.

After the first visit, your child should have a wellness check at:

• 1 month
• 2 months
• 4 months
• 6 months
• 9 months
• 12 months
• 15 months
• 18 months
• 24 months
• 30 months
• 36 months

After age 3, you can expect to schedule annual visits for your child. These routine visits are necessary, even if your child is feeling well and doesn’t have existing health issues. The exams allow our physicians an opportunity to identify potential health issues early and before your child experiences symptoms.

During your visit, our team evaluates all aspects of your child’s health, including their height, weight, blood pressure, vision, and heart rate. We also discuss your child’s behaviors, lifestyle, and diet to ensure they thrive at home and school.

Call the American Pediatrics office in Corona, Eastvale, or Irvine, California, to schedule your child’s well visit and immunizations, or book an appointment online today.