Guidelines for children and adolescents (0 – 21 years)

Childhood and adolescent well visits (0 – 21 years) 

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends an annual well visit for patients through age 21. Well visits are most effective when children are not ill. During these visits patients and providers can focus on preventive health. Well visits can reinforce positive health habits and allow children to develop a relationship of open communication with a healthcare provider. 

Well visits are a covered benefit with no copay required.

Well child visits (0 – 15 months)

Children turning 15 months old should have six well visits with their primary care provider during those first 15 months of life. Consider calling your child’s healthcare provider today to schedule an appointment.

EPSDT well visits (0 – 21 years)

Pennsylvania's Early Periodic Screening Diagnosis Treatment program provides children with hearing and vision testing, immunizations, growth and development assessments and referrals when needed. Consider calling your child's healthcare provider today to schedule an appointment.

 

Lead screening (0 – 2 years)

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 500,000 U.S. children between the ages of 1 and 5 have high lead levels. Children should have a blood test to check for elevated lead levels by their 2nd birthday. 

 

Annual dentist visit (0 – 21 years)

Children should have at least 1 dental visit per year for good oral health, beginning as early as age 1.

 

Childhood immunizations (0 – 2 years)

By their 2nd birthday, children should have all of the “vaccine-preventable” immunizations recommended by the CDC:

  • 4 diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis (DPT)
  • 3 polio
  • 1 measles/mumps/rubella
  • 3 H. influenza type B
  • 3 hepatitis B
  • 1 chickenpox
  • 4 pneumococcal
  • 1 hepatitis A
  • 2 or 3 rotavirus
  • 2 influenza (flu)

 

Adolescent immunizations (9 – 13 years)

By the time they turn 13, children should have these vaccines:

  • 1 meningococcal 
  • 1 tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis (Tdap)
  • 3 human papillomavirus (HPV) 

 

Flu shots (6 months and older)

The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older.

 

CDC childhood and adolescent immunization schedule

Review schedule

 

Chlamydia screening in young women (16 – 25 years)

According to the CDC, chlamydia is the most commonly reported sexually transmitted disease in the United States. If untreated, chlamydia can make it difficult for a woman to get pregnant. Sexually active women younger than 25 should be screened for chlamydia annually. Talk to your provider to schedule an appointment.

 

Am I covered?

Make sure you’re covered for any preventive care before visiting your provider. To see if you are covered: