With a year of the COVID-19 pandemic behind us, people are adjusting to safely living life. That might include catching up on your child’s wellness visits and vaccines. While it might have seemed unsafe to visit your doctor’s office, many doctor offices have taken steps to keep you and your family safe during visits. It is important to attend visits because getting your child vaccinated helps their immune system fight off preventable diseases.
To find out how your child’s doctor is making it safe to visit, call ahead or visit them online. Ask them if they are:
- Checking everyone’s temperature.
- Checking for other symptoms of COVID-19 when you arrive.
- Requiring all visitors and staff to wear masks.
- Moving the furniture in waiting rooms six feet apart for social distancing.
- Cleaning exam rooms, equipment, and other spaces between each visit.
- Making hand sanitizer available.
For vaccine appointments, your child’s doctor may:
- Schedule special kids-only hours.
- Ask you and your family to wait outside or in your car until they’re ready to see your child.
- Set up a separate entrance or area for kids’ well-visits.
- Offer a drive-up service for checkups and vaccines in your car.
You and your child can do your part by taking these steps:
- Wear a mask at all times.
- Stay six feet apart from others.
- Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer before and after touching anything in public places.
- Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Remind small children to keep their hands to themselves and in their laps.
- Cover any coughs or sneezes.
Don’t let COVID-19 stop you from keeping your kids healthy. The pandemic may have changed many things, but we can’t let it stop us from keeping our kids — and ourselves — healthy.