If you have young kids (ages newborn to 5), you may be wondering what preventive care services are covered by your insurance. And how to keep your young children safe and healthy during their early years. We can help.
What preventive care screenings for young kids are covered by my insurance plan?
Health insurance typically covers preventive care services, such as well child visits, immunizations and developmental screenings. Be sure to check your plan for coverage details.
During well child visits, the pediatrician or family practice doctor will check your child’s height and weight, as well as track various development milestones. The doctor will also offer information and advice to help keep your child safe and healthy.
Some typical preventive care services and screenings for young kids:
- Advice on nutrition, healthy weight and body mass index (at about age 2)
- Autism screening at 18-24 months
- Immunizations (vaccines), including DTaP, MMR, flu shots and other vaccines (see descriptions below)
- Developmental and behavioral assessment
- Hearing and vision testing
- Counseling on avoiding tobacco exposure and use
- Lead exposure test and discussion about poison safety
- Car and booster seat discussions
See more details about preventive care services and screenings for young kids (PDF) on page 2.
What is the vaccination/immunization schedule for my young child?
| Vaccine | Purpose | Age |
|---|---|---|
| Hep B | Protects against Hepatitis B | At Birth 1-2 months after first dose 6-18 months after second dose |
| RV | Protects against Rotavirus | 2 months 4 months 6 months |
| DTaP | Protects against Diphtheria, Tetanus & Pertussis | 2 months 4 months 6 months 15-18 months 4-6 years |
| Hib | Protects against Haemophilus influenzae type b | 2 months 4 months 6 months 12-15 months |
| PCV | Protects against Pneumococcal disease | 2 months 4 months 6 months 12-15 months |
| IPV | Protects against Polio | 2 months 4 months 6 -18 months 4-6 years |
| MMR | Protects against Measles, Mumps & Rubella | 12-15 months 4-6 years |
| Varicella | Protects against Chicken Pox | 12-15 months 4-6 years |
| Hep A | Protects against Hepatitis A | 12-18 months (2 doses, 6 months apart) |
| Influenza | Protects against flu | Annually in the fall, starting at 6 months |
Are there other preventive care screenings for young children?
Your child’s doctor may order other preventive exams, based on your child’s family history or other risk factors. Examples may include:
- Screening for sickle cell anemia or other conditions, based on family history or ethnicity
- Iron supplementation, if risk of iron-deficiency anemia
- Domestic violence (including child abuse) screening and counseling
- Nutrition counseling, if weight or growth concerns
What can I do to help my children stay healthy?
At each visit, your doctor (or pediatric nurse practitioner) will ask you about your child’s growth and offer guidance for keeping your child safe and healthy at each stage of development.Tips may include baby-proofing your home, not exposing babies and young children to secondhand smoke, protecting them from the sun, and preventing injuries by using car seats and safety helmets.
Check out tools and resources for general information about fitness and nutrition.
More about preventive care for children
Health care for new moms
Preventive care for kids age 6-12
Vaccines for children
Physical exams
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