It’s almost back-to-school season! Is your child up to date on their shots?

We caught up with Dr. LuAnn Lawton Chen, Senior Medical Director of Community Health Plan of Washington (CHPW), to learn more about getting your kids vaccinated.

Part of taking care of kids is setting them up for a healthy future. Vaccines play a big part in health. They are particularly important for children because young immune systems are more vulnerable to diseases and illnesses.

– Dr. LuAnn Lawton Chen

Here’s what you need to know to keep your child as healthy and safe as possible this fall:

• Getting immunized is about more than just COVID-19. COVID-19 is still in the news, but doctors recommend a number of immunizations for kids as they grow. Getting your child immunized on time will help protect them against many serious diseases, including mumps and measles.
• It’s free. There’s no cost to get recommended immunizations.
• It’s okay to be scared. Kids of all ages get scared of needles. Here’s a few tips for conquering the jitters.
• Your health care team is here to help. Contact your child’s doctor or health care provider to ask if your child needs any recommended shots. Colleen Haller, Community Health Plan of Washington’s (CHPW) Director of Quality, says, “Many clinics can schedule a nurse visit for immunizations alone or provide them in the pharmacy, depending on the immunization and age of the child.” You should also ask if your child is due for a full well-child appointment.

When should I schedule my child’s immunization appointment?

Life gets busy, and that’s true for your local health provider as well as for you and your family. So when should you schedule important doctor visits, like well-child checkups and immunizations?

Dr. LuAnn Chen advises that every clinic is different. However, she says, “Routine preventive care should be scheduled about a month in advance in many clinics.”

Did you know you can get rewards when your child gets recommended vaccinations?

CHPW Apple Health members get a $20 gift card for each well-child visit. Learn how the Well-Child Program works. So be safe, be smart, and make sure your child gets their shots!

Learn more

• About CHPW’s Well-Child Program
• Scared of Shots? Tips for kids.