HOUSTON (Aug. 13, 2020) — According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, there has been a significant drop in well-child visits during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has resulted in delays in vaccinations and appropriate screenings. Preventive care is now more important than ever.
“We want to keep our patients healthy and on track for regular checkups. Even during the pandemic it’s important to keep well-child visits to check growth and development, answer questions, discuss health concerns and keep children up to date on their vaccinations,” says Dr. Richard Lyn-Cook, medical director, School Based Clinics, Harris Health System, and assistant professor, Family and Community Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine. “Missing childhood and adolescent vaccinations could cause outbreaks of diseases that are considerably more dangerous to kids than COVID-19, such as measles, pertussis (whooping cough), influenza, polio and bacterial meningitis.”
If your child is due for a well-child visit, is behind on vaccinations or is due for a vaccine in the near future, call Harris Health at 713-526-4243 to schedule an appointment.
“Our staff is committed to the well-being of our patients and their family. We are taking the highest precautions to ensure your health and safety at our clinics and health centers by cleaning all equipment and examination rooms and limiting patients’ contact with others,” Lyn-Cook says.
New Practices:
- Visitor restrictions – only one parent or caregiver over age 18 can accompany the minor to an appointment. We ask that you not bring siblings or other young visitors.
- Visitors and patients are screened upon entry
- Visitors and patients must wear masks; masks will be available for those who
need one - Visitors and patients must follow social distance rules