Presbyterian | Your Story | Centennial Care | Winter 2021

2 With the COVID-19 pandemic and other events that come with day-to- day life, it can be hard to take your child for a well-child visit. A well-child visit is an appointment for your child to see their primary care provider (PCP). Regular visits to your child’s PCP are an important part of their development and are a great way for your child to stay healthy during cold and flu season. What to expect at a well-child visit The PCP will assess your child’s overall health and make sure that they are reaching normal milestones based on their age. Your PCP will also assess the following during your visit: ● Immunizations ● Height and weight ● Level of physical activity ● Eating and sleeping habits ● Personal care and hygiene Your child will have time to talk about their physical and/or mental health with their PCP. This is also a great COVID-19 precautions Healthcare providers are taking your safety and health seriously when they schedule well-child visits and vaccines for your child. Your child’s PCP will tell you about their health protocols and how they are keeping you safe at your appointment. Please keep in mind that providers are doing their best to keep their staff safe as well. Please follow all COVID-19 protocols to help keep everyone safe and healthy. Keep your kids healthy this winter time for you to discuss any questions and concerns you may have. For more information about well-child visits, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) webpage at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/visit/ vaccination-during-COVID-19.html . Stay healthy during cold and flu season Every year, we do our best to avoid getting sick. We do this by following good hygiene habits and doing our best to avoid germs. It can be tough for kids to do, but it is important during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some great tips for you and your family to stay healthy: ● Wash hands often ● Do not share food or drinks with others ● Avoid touching surfaces that are not clean ● Cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or cough or sneeze into your elbow In addition to these tips, one of the best ways to ensure your child stays healthy is to get them a flu shot. Children can get their flu shot during a PCP visit, at a local pharmacy, or at a local shot clinic. The CDC recommends flu shots for kids six months and older. By getting the flu shot, it helps your child avoid getting sick and spreading the flu virus. You can be a role model for your child and get your own flu shot too. Doing these things will help keep you and your family safe during the winter. For more information about vaccines for kids and when kids should get them, please visit the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules .