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Welcome to Our Well Child Page
Immunization /Testing Schedule
Please click on the below link to print the Well Child Immunization/Testing Schedule. Talk to your child's doctor if you have any questions on this schedule.
Click Here For Immunization/Testing Schedule
Immunization Information
Newborn visits consists of a complete physical examination, discussions and guidance sessions, and routine laboratory procedures.
After 5 years of age, it is recommended that a checkup be done every year. By far, the most common problems at this age will relate to school, behavior, and allergies. In addition, a Diphtheria-Tetanus immunization should be done at 11 years of age and every ten years thereafter.
Please do not hesitate to ask questions. However, if a lengthy discussion is required, additional visits may be necessary.
Immunization Terminology
Adacel/Boostrix-Tetanus & Pertussis Booster
Comvax-Hep B & Hib combined.
DT-An injection of Diphteria and Tetanus Vaccine.
DTaP-Diptheris, Tetanus and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine.
HBV-Hepatitis B Vaccine.
Hep A-Hepatitis A
HIB-Hemophilu Influenza B Vaccine (to prevent Meningitis and other infections).
Influenzais also available and prescribed under appropriate circumstances.
IPV-Inactivated Polio Vaccine.
Menomune(Menactra)-meningococcal
MMR-Measle, Mumps and Rubella (German Measles) vaccine. Recommendation by the American Academy of Pediatrics. This immunization should be repeated by 11-12; it is usually repeated at age 5. This is required on entry to public school.
Pediarix-the DtaP, IPV and HBV vaccines combined.
Pneumovax-Pnuemococcus(over 2 years for children at high risk)
Prevnar-Pneumococcus vaccine (under 5 years)
Varivax-Chicken Pox
Testing Information
Laboratory tests help to confirm or reject a clinical impression. Lab tests alone are not diagnostic and your doctor cannot treat patients from lab tests alone. He/she will need to see your child to correlate his examination with test results.
Blood
We usually check for anemia(CBC and Differential) during the first two years and during adolescence for girls. Due to technical problems with blood tests other than the routine blood count, we may, at times, call or mail you a request to bring your child in for a repeat blood test. There are many blood tests which may be used when indicated by specific problems. Hemoglobin is a blood test for anemia.
Cultures
A culture is a way of finding germs. Currently, it is the best method for identifying specific germs. The problem with this method is that it often takes 2-3 days to get an answer. Body areas cultured to make a definite diagnosis include throat, kidney, eye, ear, nose, skin & genitalia. Other specimens which may need to be processed will be sent to a special lab or Wellstar Hospital.
Hearing Tests
Hearing tests are routinely done at the 3 year and 5 year checkups, as soon as your child is mature enough to cooperate with the tester. Once your child has had a "normal" test, we need only repeat the test when specifically indicated, such as for repeated ear infections, presence of fluid in the middle ear, or your observation that your child does not seem to hear well.
Strep Tests
Strep tests are now available which usually diagnose strep within 10 minutes. Very often, we will culture the throat and/or nose to check for streptococcal infection, especially if the quick strep test is normal. "Strep" throats may produce complications; therefore, proper treatment is necessary and a "recheck" visit and/or reculture may be requested by your doctor. A negative" strep test and/or throat culture does not mean your child is not sick. It means only the "Strep" is not present and that the illness is probably viral.
Urine Tests
A Urinalysis is the simplest way to evaluate the kidneys. We routinely check a urine specimen at 5 and 11 years of age. It may save you time in the office if you wish to collect the specimen at home. Whether you collect it at home or in the office, please be sure to give your child a "soaking bath," washing the genital area well with soap and water before the specimen is collected. When you collect the urine, allow your child to start the stream to catch a "clean midstream" specimen. Be sure to use a clean container with a clean cover to bring it into the office. For infants and untrained" toddlers, we will collect urine at the office, but you should perform the above cleansing bath. It may be necessary to culture the urine when a "silent" kidney infection is suspected.
Vision Tests
Vision testing is also carried out as soon as your child can cooperate. Our test screens for visual acuity, near sightedness, and far sightedness. Since eyes change as children grow, we recommend that this test be repeated every three years, especially if this test is not done at your child's school. If this test indicates a problem or if specific symptoms appear, we will recommend a complete examination by an eye specialist.
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All of our Pediatric Nurse Practitioners have Bachelor's Degrees as well as Master's Degrees.
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Parents-check this page out. We have Links of Interest as well as Books of Interest. You are sure to find something of interest! Click Here For the Parent's Page
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