36 THE QUEENS COURIER • HEALTH • MARCH 18, 2021 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM
health
Routine checkups, vaccines are essential during
COVID-19 - and for in-person school and play
COVID-19 has caused many disruptions
in families’ lives - and in some cases,
it has meant that children have missed or
delayed their wellness checkups and vaccinations.
Th ese routine checkups, however,
are a critical part of ensuring children stay
healthy. Th e Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) and the American
Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend
that children stay on track with their wellchild
appointments and routine vaccinations
- even during COVID-19.
Well-child visits are essential. At these
appointments you can track your child’s
developmental milestones, discuss any
concerns about your child’s health, and
get your child vaccinated to help protect
them from 14 serious diseases.
“We know it has been challenging for
parents to manage so many responsibilities
during this pandemic,” said Lee Beers,
MD, FAAP, president of the AAP. “As a
parent of school-aged children myself,
I understand that. But now is the time
to get your children caught up on their
immunizations and well visits, and your
pediatrician wants to help. As things open
back up, children will need the protection
that vaccinations give them.”
As schools continue to re-open and
warmer weather brings more opportunities
for in-person, physically distanced
activities, CDC recommends checking
with your child’s healthcare provider to
make sure your child is up to date on recommended
vaccines. You and your child’s
doctor can make a plan to ensure your
child stays on track - and that your child
is ready for school and play.
In recent years, gaps in vaccinations
against vaccine-preventable diseases -
particularly measles - have caused outbreaks.
Th ese contagious diseases can
pose serious risks and complications for
infants and young children. Getting vaccinated
following the recommended schedule
allows children to build immunity
before they may be exposed to potentially
life-threatening diseases.
You have the power to protect your
child’s health through on-time vaccination.
Many doctors’ offi ces and clinics are
taking steps to ensure your safety and prevent
the spread of COVID-19, including:
• Scheduling sick visits and well-child visits
during diff erent times of the day
• Limiting the number of people in waiting
rooms
• Off ering sick visits and well-child visits
in diff erent locations
• Providing curbside visits or mobile vaccination
options
Th ere are resources available about regular
checkups and routine vaccinations
during this time that will help answer
your questions, such as:
Which vaccines does my child need?
Check out CDC’s easy-to-read childhood
immunization schedule to see the
vaccines recommended for each age and
the diseases they prevent. If your child
missed a vaccine, they should be caught
up as soon as possible using CDC’s catchup
immunization schedule.
Are routine childhood vaccines safe?
Vaccines are safe and eff ective for children
to receive at the recommended ages
at the recommended doses.
Did you know your child could get
free vaccines?
Vaccines for Children can help. Th e
Vaccines for Children (VFC) program
provides free vaccines to children who
qualify. About half of American children
younger than 19 years old receive VFC
vaccines. Ask your doctor if you qualify.
During these challenging times, remember
that you have the power to keep your child
healthy by keeping any scheduled appointments
for well-child visits and rescheduling
appointments that may have been missed.
— Courtesy of BPT
/WWW.QNS.COM
