Back to school: Vaccines and wellness checks

[3 MIN READ]

In this article:

• Back-to-school season and National Immunization Awareness Month are great reminders to schedule your child’s annual wellness check. 
• Childhood vaccine schedules and boosters are part of wellness check-ups and essential for keeping kids (and adults) healthy and safe. 
• One of our pediatric medical directors shares video reminders about immunizations and what to expect at a wellness check-up. 

Back to school: The importance of vaccines and wellness checks

Back-to-school season can get pretty busy – and feel like a never-ending list of to-dos. But one to-do to prioritize is your child’s wellness check-up. Wellness checks ensure your child is developing well. They also keep their vaccine schedule on track.

At Providence, we’re all about getting children the health care they need. And since August kicks off National Immunization Awareness Month, we turned to one of our expert pediatricians, who shares the importance of vaccines, especially for children. Hear from Elizabeth Meade, M.D., parent, pediatrician and medical director of quality for pediatrics at Providence Swedish.

The importance of vaccines

Vaccines, also called immunizations, play a vital role in protecting children from some diseases.

“Vaccines are an important part of your child’s health and integral to keeping them healthy and safe,” explains Dr. Meade. “The routine vaccines we give children are safe, they’re effective, and they protect them from deadly diseases that not so long ago were running pretty rampant in the United States.” 

You can think of vaccines in two buckets – the primary series of vaccines and boosters.

Childhood vaccine schedule

There is a primary series of vaccines that we give to young infants, following a recommended schedule. These vaccines protect children from some of the most dangerous diseases. Examples include:

• DTap (diptheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis) vaccine
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine
• Hepatitis B vaccine
• Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV)
• Rotavirus vaccine (RV)

View our vaccine schedule infographic.

Booster vaccines

Older kids and adults typically get booster vaccines. The most common are annual flu shots and COVID-19 boosters.

The best part about getting your child the vaccines they need is that it’s easy. Just ask your child’s provider at their annual wellness check.

Wellness checks for all-in-one care

Dr. Meade knows how easy it is for an annual wellness check-up to fall through the cracks. But children receive a lot of important care during their visit. And while vaccines are an important part of a wellness check, they’re not the only piece.

“We look at your child’s growth, their height, their weight, their trajectory,” says Dr. Meade. “All the information that makes sure your child is growing well. 

Additionally, your provider makes sure your child has the vaccines they need – even if they’ve fallen behind. If they are due for a vaccine, your provider can explain what your child needs to stay healthy and safe. They can also answer any questions.

Wellness checks are a great time to discuss developmental concerns: Is my child’s behavior appropriate? Is my child growing how they should? Is there anything that could be impacting school performance?

Pediatricians also look at mental health needs – any factors that may be affecting your child’s ability to thrive.

Early intervention for the best results

As with most medical needs, the earlier treatment begins, the better the chance of successful results. Wellness checks are just that – check-ins. They’re a way for your provider to make sure your child doesn’t have any problems that we need to address. If they do, we want to help as early as possible.

Wellness checks are also an excellent time for caregivers to get the support they need.

“If you ever have a question or concern about a vaccine, or you just want more information, your child’s health care provider is the perfect place to start,” says Dr. Meade.

Your provider will sit down with you, answer your questions and provide information. Together, you can form a plan that works for you and your family.

Contributing caregiver

Elizabeth Meade, M.D., is the medical director of pediatrics at Providence Swedish Pediatric Hospital Medicine in Seattle, Washington.  

Find a doctor

If you are looking for pediatric care for your child, you can search for a primary care provider or pediatrician who’s right for you and your family in our provider directory.

Download the Providence app

It’s all in the app: easily stay connected with Providence and your health. With the Providence app, you can schedule appointments, have virtual visits from the comfort of your own home, get health recommendations personalized for you, access your health records and so much more. Learn more and download the app.

Related resources

Learn common myths about vaccines and which ones you need

Stay up to date with critical vaccines

Back to school: Readiness and resources

Vaccines, well visits for kids matter more than ever

This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional’s instructions.