As we have learned previously, having continued access to healthcare is crucial for an optimal pregnancy, postpartum, and birth of a baby. Furthermore, having access to healthcare in infancy and throughout childhood is essential for a healthy development. Well-child visits are an important part of a child’s health. Additionally, the recommended vaccinations are essential to a child’s health and help make sure children stay healthy. Children who are not vaccinated, therefore not protected, are more likely to get diseases such as measles and whooping cough (CDC, 2022). Vaccination against these diseases is very important as they are extremely contagious and can be very serious, especially for babies and young children. Lately, there have been outbreaks of these highly contagious diseases, especially in those communities with low vaccination rates.

Well-child visits are essential for many reasons. It is during these visits that a healthcare provider, usually a pediatrician, will be tracking growth and developmental milestones, discussing any concerns or symptoms that might impact a child’s health, and discussing many other important topics related to a child’s health and well-being (CDC, 2022). Typically, the first well-child visit is scheduled right after the baby is born and two weeks postpartum to identify potential concerns related to the birth. After these initial two newborn visits, well-child checks are scheduled at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 15 months, 18 months, 2 years, 2.5 years, and 3 years. Additionally, it is during these well-child visits that the majority of scheduled vaccinations will be administered to prevent a wide range of illnesses like measles and whooping cough (pertussis) and other serious diseases.

“On-time vaccination throughout childhood is essential because it helps provide immunity before children are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases” (CDC, 2022). Vaccines have been tested as part of a process to ensure that they are safe and effective for children to receive at the recommended ages. Below, you will find a list of recommended vaccinations by the CDC from birth to three years of age. Keep in mind that although on-time vaccination is best, there are also other options, if a child falls out of schedule. A parent or caregiver can always discuss a vaccination plan that fits their child.