Just because there’s a pandemic going on doesn’t mean your little one can afford to miss out on their well-child visits. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, well-child visits and immunization must go on as per schedule.
Here’s all you need to know about going about well-child visits in these times:
The Importance of well-child visits during the pandemic
Most immunizations are vital for protecting your child against whooping cough, polio, chickenpox, pneumonia, mumps, hepatitis, rubella, measles, and meningitis.
Don’t miss out on protection that’s easily accessible. Your child’s immune response relies on these vaccines being administered on time. If they miss out now, they could be dealing with immunosuppression by the time they’re old enough to go to daycare.
Other than that, well-child visits also include screenings for potential developmental issues, lead poisoning, and anemia.
How to stay safe during the visits?
If you’re a parent of an infant or a small child, it’s understandable that you’re skeptical about visiting the doctor’s office.
Here’s how you can mitigate any risks:
- Make sure you choose a pediatric clinic that takes all the precautionary measures prescribed by the CDC. Call up the office and ask if they keep sick patients separate from those who are coming in for well-child visits.
Feel free to ask questions about social distancing and sanitization measures that the administration follows. You also need to know whether the medical staff has PPE to keep themselves covered at all times.
- Request that the clinic schedule an appointment at a different time than when sick-child visits happen. Make sure you reach the clinic on time, so you don’t have to spend time in a crowded waiting room.
- Don’t step out of the house without covering yourself and the child with all the necessary protection. Both you and the child should have a face mask and gloves on. Moreover, carry a hand sanitizer and use it frequently while you’re out. And maintain your distance.
Go virtual
If the child doesn’t need to be vaccinated and isn’t sick, you can avoid visiting the clinic altogether. Set up a virtual conference with your doctor and consult them via the internet. Telemedicine services allow you to address queries from the comfort of your house.
If you’re based in San Antonio TX, A thru Z Pediatrics can schedule a telehealth appointment for your child. If you want your child to be examined in person, we are screening patients before scheduling their appointments. We have also limited sick visits between the hours of 3 pm – 5 pm from Monday to Friday and 8 am – 12 pm on Saturdays. We offer Pediatrician in San Antonio,in our Stone Oak and Medical Center locations.
Learn more about Choosing Pediatrician for your unborn child