Well-Child Care Center

Shauna knows how important it is to take her son, Jacob, to his doctor visits. Jacob’s doctor, or PCP (primary care provider), checks his height, weight, eyesight and hearing. And because he goes to the PCP every year, he’s not afraid of going.

Your child’s regular checkups are sometimes called well-child visits. These visits give the PCP a chance to make sure your child is growing up healthy. Your child will get any immunizations (shots) they need. If the PCP does find any problems, they can treat it early.

How often should my child have a checkup?

Regular visits to the PCP are important for your child. Depending on your child’s age, their PCP will do different tests and exams. Try to make the visit around your child’s birthday. That way it is easy to remember.

The PCP will probably want to see your child at or around these ages:

3-5 days old
1 month
2 months
4 months
6 months
9 months
12 months (1 year)
15 months
18 months
24 months (2 years)
Every year starting at age 3 to 21

Checkups are part of your child's benefits with AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia. They should not cost you money.

As your child reaches certain ages, they will need shots that help protect them from diseases, known as immunizations. Your child’s provider will know which immunizations your child is due for, including the seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccines.

Age	Immunization or Test
Birth	HepB #1 Newborn metabolic/hemoglobin screening
2 months	HepB #2 DTaP #1 RV #1	Hib #1 PCV #1 IPV #1
4 months	DTaP #2 RV #2 Hib #2	PCV #2 IPV #2
6 months	HepB #3 Hib #3 DTaP #3	RV #3 PCV #3 IPV #3
12 months	Hib #4 MMR #1 Varicella #1 PCV #4 HepA #1	DTaP #4 Lead screening Hemoglobin/ hematocrit Tuberculosis test if at risk
18 months	HepA #2
24 months	Lead screening
Every year	Beginning at 6 months, seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine as recommended each year
3 – 6 years	Blood lead test Varicella #2
4 – 6 years	DTaP #5 MMR #2 IPV #4
11 – 12 years	HPV #1 (girls only) MCV4
13 – 16 years	HPV #2
18 years or younger	MCV4

*Key

DTaP Diphtheria, tetanus toxoid, and acellular pertussis vaccine

Hep Hepatitis vaccine

Hib Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine

HPV Human papillomavirus vaccine

IPV Inactivated polio vaccine

MCV4 Meningococcal conjugate vaccine

MMR Measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine

PCV Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine

RV Rotavirus vaccine

Varicella Chickenpox vaccine

The above vaccination schedule was retrieved from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/schedules/index.html

Attention: Read this letter to learn more about the recent recall of certain applesauce pouches due to possible contamination with lead. (PDF)

Lead poisoning is a preventable health issue that can have severe and lasting effects, especially in children. Children can be lead poisoned by breathing air, drinking water, eating food, or swallowing or touching dirt that contains lead. That’s why the District of Columbia has implemented the law requiring children to be tested for lead poisoning twice by the age of 2: first between ages 6 and 14 months, and a second time between ages 22 and 26 months. Early detection and intervention can make a significant difference in your child’s future.

We encourage you to schedule your child’s lead tests at ages 1 and 2 as recommended. By doing so, you’re taking a proactive step towards ensuring their health and well-being. Ask your child’s provider for more information.

If you need help making an appointment or getting to the PCP’s office, call Enrollee Services at 1-800-408-7511 (TTY: 1-800-570-1190).