You know that it’s important to take your baby or child to their pediatrician when they are sick. But did you know that it’s equally important to take them to the doctor for their well-child checkups? The most vital visits occur in your child’s first few years of life. With the rise of COVID-19 many parents may be scared to visit the pediatrician with their baby or child for their well-child visits.
“At each appointment, your pediatrician will ensure that your baby or child is meeting important milestones in areas like growth and development and continue to maintain the important vaccine schedule to protect them against preventable diseases,” says Dr. Shirley Huang, Division Chief for General Pediatrics at Tufts Medical Center. “We encourage all parents to continue to bring their children to scheduled well-child appointments, as long as they are feeling well. We are taking all precautions to ensure that our practice is safe for you and your children. We are committed to being here for your family’s urgent and non-urgent healthcare needs.”
Tufts Medical Center has taken important steps to keep patients, patient families, and employees safe. All public spaces and exam rooms are meticulously cleaned and many non-urgent appointments are taking place virtually which is greatly decreasing foot traffic and allowing for social distancing. Appropriate masks always worn while in clinic. Additionally, certain mornings are dedicated only for newborns and infants who are there for their well child care visits and other mornings will be dedicated for older well child times, like those needing recommended vaccines (such as the 2, 4, and 11 year old visits). Separate times in the afternoon are available for in person sick visits, and telehealth is offered morning and afternoon for well child and sick visits
However, if you are a parent who is immunocompromised or you have questions about your child’s upcoming visit, we encourage you to call the clinic at 617-636-5255 to discuss any concerns. We look forward to providing you with the best care possible in a safe environment.
