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 Preventive care helps keep your child healthy. It is important to make this type of care a priority. Preventive care includes immunizations (shots), tests, and preventive health care counseling. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and Dean Health Plan recommend these guidelines and procedures for children. Following these guidelines can help keep your child healthy.
 Neonatal Screening
This screening is a laboratory test used to detect rare, inherited diseases in newborns. The test is done during the first 48 hours after birth (usually at the hospital) and
is required by Wisconsin
state law.
Measurements
Taking measurements is one method your child’s physician or health care provider uses to check that your child is growing properly. Your child’s height and weight are measured at physical exams. Your child’s head circumference will also be measured at physical exams until age 2.
Physical Exams
A physical exam is an important way for a physician or health care provider to check your child’s growth and development. At least six exams are required from your child’s birth to age 18 months. Your child will get shots at these exams. From ages 2 to 6, your child needs an annual exam. From ages 7 to 18, your child needs an exam every other year. Your child’s physician or health care provider, however, may wish to see your child more often.
Anemia Testing
Anemia is low blood iron. A blood sample is taken sometime during the first year of life to check for anemia. Anemia in children is usually caused by a diet low in iron.
 Blood Pressure Check
An inflatable cuff is used to measure the pressure of blood flowing in your child’s arm. Your child’s blood pressure is measured starting at age 3 and then as a part of later physical exams.
 Eye/Vision Exams
Your child’s physician or health care provider will check your child’s eyes during the first 18 months to detect ocular misalignment (being cross-eyed). Your child’s vision is checked before starting school—between ages 3 and 5. Other vision screenings may be done if problems are suspected.
Nutrition and Exercise Counseling
Your child’s diet and exercise are very important for his or
her health. During physical exams, your
child’s physician or health care provider will talk with your child about diet, nutrition, and exercise.
Injury Prevention Counseling
Children should always use safety devices such as seat belts, infant seats, and bicycle helmets, as well as other methods of injury prevention. Using safety devices can help keep your child safe from serious injuries. Your child’s physician or health care provider will counsel you and answer questions about age-appropriate health and safety issues.
Substance Use Counseling
Avoiding tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs can prevent illness. Your child’s physician or health care provider can counsel you and your child about avoiding tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs.
Sexual Counseling
Your child’s physician or health care provider will counsel you and your teenager on sexual development and behavior and how to avoid sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancy.
Immunizations
Childhood shots prevent certain infectious diseases. Your child needs to get the following shots:
- diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) at 2, 4, and 6 months; once between 12 and 18 months; and once between ages 4 and 6
- tetanus booster (Td) once between ages 13 and 18 and every 10 years thereafter
- polio at 2, 4, and 6 months, and once between ages 4 and 6
- measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) once between 12 and 15 months and once between ages 4 and 6
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) at
2, 4, and 6 months and between 12 and 15 months
- hepatitis B (Hep B) with three doses at appropriate intervals in the first 12 months of life; at age 11 (if not previously immunized) at appropriate intervals
- varicella (chickenpox) between 12 and 15 months
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