Does My Child Need An Annual Physical?

It’s easy to know when to take babies and toddlers to the doctor for well-baby and well-child checkups. The schedule is pretty rigid, and we have the need for immunizations to consider too. So at two weeks, two months, six months, etc. we trot off to the doctor’s office for a checkup. After two years old, it’s still easy – once a year visits are the norm and are often covered by insurance. Plus your child is still getting immunizations during these years.

 

But after age five, things become much less clear. Children typically don’t need any immunizations after age five or six until they are around 12. They’re not growing as fast, and you probably have fewer questions about their development. Some camp and sports activities require a physical, but otherwise, do you really need to take your children in for an annual physical or checkup?