Autumn is a busy time of year, full of changing routines, new schedules and school supplies to organize. But there's one crucial item parents need to put at the top of their to-do list: your child's well visit and immunizations. Having that annual check-up with their pediatrician is key to ensuring your child maintains optimal health, and the cooler weather is a great reminder to schedule these appointments between the hectic summer fun and holiday seasons.

Over the last few years, well-child visit rates have increased slightly, but they are still below pre-pandemic levels.^[1] Nationwide, pre-pandemic data showed that more than 20% of children still aren't receiving their annual child well visits, which are critical to ensure that children are healthy. During the pandemic, only 76.7% of children maintained these visits, which have only recently increased to reach nearly 79%.^[2] Regular screenings and tests are vital to tracking your child's development, so you can understand how to help them as they grow and address any concerns early.

"Annual child well visits help make sure that children are healthy and growing well in every way — including their bodies, minds and social skills," said Registered Nurse and Certified Care Manager Brooke Hall.

Well visit scheduling for different ages

Children grow and develop quickly. That's why regular child well visits start at birth and are necessary all the way through their teen years, to make sure children are healthy and developing well.

Different types of screening tests will be conducted at different ages. For example, babies should go to a total of seven well-child visits from newborn through 12 months of age. As your child grows from a baby to a toddler, they should have visits at 15, 18, 24, 30 and 36 months. After age 3, child well visits are recommended annually, and your child's pediatrician will advise when your next visit is appropriate. During these visits, the doctor will check your child's overall development, which includes hearing, vision and — at some visits — blood work to test for anemia and exposure to lead, while also doing behavioral observations.

Many of the same tests will continue to be administered, while others will be added at later ages, like oral health screenings and social, emotional and language assessments.

Vaccines that help reduce effects of illness

Recommended vaccines can help protect your child from getting sick or reduce the effects of illness.

"Making sure that your whole family is protected with up-to-date immunizations creates a circle of protection around vulnerable newborns, growing babies and children, as well as older adults and others in your household and community who may have compromised immune systems," added Hall.

Various immunizations are recommended for children at different ages. Fewer immunizations will most likely be needed as your child gets older, but there are still some important ones to consider, like flu and others such as HPV and meningitis.

Resources for health and wellness

It's normal to have questions and concerns about your child's health and well-being. If you have questions about well visits and immunizations, you can find a number of resources about children's wellness and development at UHC.com/childrenswellness. The site also offers helpful information on how to prepare for well visits and what you need to know about immunizations.

If you're expecting an addition to your family, UHC.com also has other resources including EveryPregnancy.com, which offers maternal care information and links for resources supporting other health-related areas.

Are you a UnitedHealthcare Community Plan member? You may be eligible for UnitedHealthcare's care management program offering support and resources to keep you and your baby healthy throughout pregnancy and your baby's first 15 months.

Scheduling your child's annual wellness visit is a simple way to support their growth, development and overall health, giving you peace of mind and helping your child thrive year after year.

Learn more at UHC.com/childrenswellness or EveryPregnancy.com.

[1] Explore Well-Child Visit — Children in the United States | AHR

[2] Explore Well-Child Visit — Children in the United States | AHR