Central California Alliance for Health | Living Healthy | March 2020

3 HEALTHY In late October 2019, the Alliance partnered with a vendor, CareNet, to remind parents and guardians that their children were due for their well-child visits and vaccines. The Alliance worked with CareNet to make automated calls (also known as robocalls) to parents to remind them about their child’s health needs. The Alliance keeps track of the number of kids and teens who are in need of these visits and vaccinations, as it is an important way to check the overall health of its younger members. The Alliance has noticed a trend that many of our child and adolescent members are not being seen by their doctor for their well-visit and are behind on their vaccines. The Alliance wants to remind members so that they are aware that these services are available to them and are important. What is a well-child visit? A well-child visit is with the child’s doctor. The doctor will complete a physical exam, check growth and development, complete screening tests, and give any vaccines that are needed. Children grow and change quickly, so even if a child is healthy, well-visits are important in order to focus on wellness and talk about ways to improve care and prevent health problems. Why are vaccines important? Childhood vaccines protect children from a number of serious and potentially life-threatening diseases at a time in their lives when they are most vulnerable. Your provider can talk with you about which vaccines your child or adolescent needs, as well as answer any questions or concerns you may have. Children under 2 years of age need a lot of vaccines to boost their immune system to prevent diseases. Make sure to ask your provider for the recommended vaccine schedule so that you know which vaccines your child needs, how many they need and when they need them. What can I expect when my child receives vaccines? For information on what to expect before, during and after vaccines are given, visit cdc.gov/vaccines . How often does my child or adolescent need a visit? Children from 0 to 24 months of age need to be seen using this schedule below. Children should receive six or more visits by 15 months of age. During your child’s first year, it is important that they receive their Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) services. 2 to 5 days 1 month 2 months 4 months 6 months 12 months 15 months 18 months 24 months 30 months Children ages 3 to 21 need to be seen at least once a year. Your child’s doctor will work with you and your child to help them be healthy. During these visits, it is a good time to ask the doctor any questions or concerns you may have. Well-child visits are important