» ask the expert
DR . STA NLE Y WIG GINS
Is it safe to visit the pediatrician? Dr. Stanley Wiggins talks sports physicals, school vaccines and well-child visits amid the COVID-19 crisis.
Q:
My child is due for an annual checkup. Is it safe to visit the doctor’s office?
Parents are understandably concerned about protecting their children from COVID-19 exposure. But skipping routine preventative care and recommended vaccines puts your child’s health at risk. With so many children feeling isolated due to school closures, little ones confused over why they can’t hug their grandparents, and older teens grieving the loss of milestones like prom and graduation, kids and their families are experiencing a new level of disruption and stress. Now more than ever, the annual checkup provides time to discuss behavioral changes and concerns over emotional health. Before your appointment, you can call and discuss any safety concerns you have about your upcoming visit. The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended guidelines to protect your child and limit COVID-19 exposure. Our offices maintain separate times of the day for well visits, so you won’t encounter sick children. Nurses and providers wear masks, and rooms are disinfected between patients. Waiting in the car until receiving a text or phone call is a convenient and safe way
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to protect you and your child. Here are a few reasons why routine checkups are necessary for your child’s long-term health: » A well-child exam is a head-to-toe examination that allows your physician to detect subtle findings, such as unusual moles, hernias, high blood
pressure, abnormal heart murmurs and scoliosis. » Height and weight are evaluated to ensure that children are growing appropriately. This is a good time for parents to ask questions about diet and nutrition. Children starting school receive a hearing and vision screening.
