Well-Child Care Center

Shauna knows how important it is to take her son, Jacob, to his doctor visits. Jacob’s doctor, or PCP (primary care provider), checks his height, weight, eyesight and hearing. And because he goes to the PCP every year, he’s not afraid of going.

Your child’s regular checkups are sometimes called well-child visits. These visits give the PCP a chance to make sure your child is growing up healthy. Your child will get any immunizations (shots) they need. If the PCP does find any problems, they can treat it early.

How often should my child have a checkup?

Regular visits to the PCP are important for your child. Depending on your child’s age, their PCP will do different tests and exams. Try to make the visit around your child’s birthday. That way it is easy to remember.

The PCP will probably want to see your child at or around these ages:

  • 3-5 days old
  • 1 month
  • 2 months
  • 4 months
  • 6 months
  • 9 months
  • 12 months (1 year)
  • 15 months
  • 18 months
  • 24 months (2 years)
  • Every year starting at age 3 to 21

Checkups are part of your child's benefits with AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia. They should not cost you money.

As your child reaches certain ages, they will need shots that help protect them from diseases, known as immunizations. Your child’s provider will know which immunizations your child is due for, including the seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccines.

Age Immunization or Test  
Birth
  • HepB #1
  • Newborn metabolic/hemoglobin screening
2 months
  • HepB #2
  • DTaP #1
  • RV #1
  • Hib #1
  • PCV #1
  • IPV #1
4 months
  • DTaP #2
  • RV #2
  • Hib #2
  • PCV #2
  • IPV #2
6 months
  • HepB #3
  • Hib #3
  • DTaP #3
  • RV #3
  • PCV #3
  • IPV #3
12 months
  • Hib #4
  • MMR #1
  • Varicella #1
  • PCV #4
  • HepA #1
  • DTaP #4
  • Lead screening
  • Hemoglobin/ hematocrit
  • Tuberculosis test if at risk
18 months HepA #2
24 months Lead screening
Every year Beginning at 6 months, seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine as recommended each year
3 – 6 years
  • Blood lead test
  • Varicella #2
4 – 6 years
  • DTaP #5
  • MMR #2
  • IPV #4
11 – 12 years
  • HPV #1 (girls only)
  • MCV4
13 – 16 years HPV #2
18 years or younger MCV4

*Key

DTaP Diphtheria, tetanus toxoid, and acellular pertussis vaccine 
Hep Hepatitis vaccine
Hib Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine 
HPV Human papillomavirus vaccine
IPV Inactivated polio vaccine
MCV4 Meningococcal conjugate vaccine 
MMR Measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine 
PCV Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
RV Rotavirus vaccine
Varicella Chickenpox vaccine

The above vaccination schedule was retrieved from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/schedules/index.html 

Attention: Read this letter to learn more about the recent recall of certain applesauce pouches due to possible contamination with lead. (PDF)

Lead poisoning is a preventable health issue that can have severe and lasting effects, especially in children. Children can be lead poisoned by breathing air, drinking water, eating food, or swallowing or touching dirt that contains lead. That’s why the District of Columbia has implemented the law requiring children to be tested for lead poisoning twice by the age of 2: first between ages 6 and 14 months, and a second time between ages 22 and 26 months. Early detection and intervention can make a significant difference in your child’s future.

We encourage you to schedule your child’s lead tests at ages 1 and 2 as recommended. By doing so, you’re taking a proactive step towards ensuring their health and well-being. Ask your child’s provider for more information.

If you need help making an appointment or getting to the PCP’s office, call Enrollee Services at 1-800-408-7511 (TTY: 1-800-570-1190).

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