Making Sure Your Kids Get the Healthcare They Need

When you have children, your entire world changes. You begin to focus on someone else entirely more than yourself. You want the best for them. You want to prepare them for life as best possible. There are, of course, all sorts of areas to focus on when it comes to this. From securing good schooling to ensuring that they are supported in a range of interests, hobbies, and passions. Another big area you’re going to focus on is ensuring that they are as healthy as possible at all times. This takes some work and organization, but there are various steps you can take to give your child good health wherever possible. Here are some appointments you may want to book to help with this.

Dental Visits

Most children tend to experience fewer problems with their teeth than adults, but it’s important to get your child into the routine of going to the dentist, as this is something that they will need to stick to throughout their whole life. It’s recommended that you take your child to the dentist once every six months. This will ensure that your dentist gets a chance to survey the health of their mouth and spot any issues that could be arising. This could range from tooth decay to issues with tooth alignment that may need corrective braces or procedures. It’s also an opportunity for your little one to learn how to clean their teeth properly.

Doctor’s Appointments

Visiting your doctor whenever your child is experiencing symptoms of issues or other health problems is important. This will give your doctor the chance to examine your child and determine what’s causing them discomfort or pain. They can then recommend the right course of treatment to prevent further issues or resolve existing issues. This could range from a course of medicine to seeing a Pediatric Chiropractor or anything else that can improve their comfort and quality of life.

Childhood Vaccinations

Two groups of people in society tend to need more vaccinations, as they are more vulnerable to health complaints. These tend to be children and the elderly. When it comes down to it, there are all sorts of vaccinations that your child will need to best prepare them for life free of unnecessary illness and sickness. There are some rare cases in which your child may be allergic or intolerant to certain vaccinations, but in this case, your doctor will let you know and they can generally rely on the herd immunity from others being vaccinated for their safety. As you can see, giving your child the right vaccinations involves responsibility for their health and others’. Here are some recommended vaccines for your child to have throughout their childhood.

Before the age of 8 weeks

6 in one vaccine (protects against diphtheria, hepatitis B, Hib, polio, tetanus and whooping cough)
Rotavirus vaccine
MenB

Before the age of 12 weeks

6 in one vaccine (second dose)
Rotavirus vaccine (second dose)
PCV vaccine

Before the age of 16 weeks

6 in one vaccine (third dose)
MenB (second dose)

1 year old

Hib/MenC
MMR (measles, mumps and rubella)
PCV vaccine (second dose)
MenB (third dose)

2 – 10 years old

Flu vaccine (annually)

3 years and four months

MMR (second dose)
Pre-school booster

12 – 13 years old

HPV vaccine

14 years old

Teenage booster
MenACWY

As you can see, there are lots of different things to consider to keep on top of your child’s health – and we’ve barely scratched the surface. Hopefully, some of the information above should get you off to a good start!