What type of health care encourages regular checkups, immunizations, and well-child visits?

Immunizations

Immunizations are important part of staying healthy.  Countryside Public Health encourages routine vaccinations to be done at your regularly scheduled well child visits or routine physicals.

Children and Adults need to be vaccinated against certain germs that could cause serious illness or death.  New vaccines are being added regularly.  Vaccines are also called 'immunizations' or 'shots' and are an important and safe way to keep your child healthy, and keep adults healthy also.   

We encourage you to talk to your regular healthcare provider about what immunizations that your child or your other family members needs.  Immunizations are also available from your local Countryside Public Health Office at low or no cost to you through the MnVFC program, regardless of whether or not you have health insurance.  Please call ahead for an appointment.

Current Recommended Vaccination Schedule for Children

If you choose not to vaccinate your child, understand the risks involved. 

To schedule a vaccination appointment for yourself or a child, reach out to your healthcare provider or Countryside Public Health at 1-800-657-3291.

You may also visit our current Vaccine Clinic page to sign up for available clinics.

MIIC  - Minnesota Immunization Information Connection is a confidential, computerized information system for health care providers, public health agencies, and schools for immunization records.  This provides health care providers access to one complete record of an individual's shots so that vaccines are not missed or extra shots are not given.  Most medical providers participate in this immunization registry.  If you would like check your immunziation record or need a copy, contact your medical clinic or Countryside Public Health.

Additional Immunization Resources:

Immunization Action Coalition

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Vaccines & Immunizations

Minnesota Department of Health - Immunization

5 Things to Know about HPV

Recommended Vaccines for International Travel - Know Before You Go

Please take a moment to read our most commonly asked questions. We're always available to answer your questions and encourage you to contact our office if you have a question that is not answered below.

Q: What is a Pediatrician?

A: A pediatrician is a medical doctor who specializes in the care of children. Pediatricians have undergone special training in the health and illnesses of infants, teens and young adults, and the majority of pediatricians are certified by the American Board of Pediatrics after passing a comprehensive exam.

Pediatricians provide preventive health care for children in good health and medical care for children who are acutely or chronically ill. They also provide parents with support and advice with issues such as growth and development, safety and prevention, nutrition, and emotional wellness to foster a lifetime of good health.

Q: Can I meet my pediatrician before my baby is born?

A: Yes, in fact we strongly encourage parents-to-be to visit our office for a prenatal appointment. This is a great way to get acquainted with our office and our doctors. During this visit, we will answer any questions that you have about our practice or your new child. Visit our expectant parent's page for more information.

Q: How often should my child see the pediatrician?

A: Your child should not only see the pediatrician for an illness. It is also important to schedule well-child-care exams regularly, beginning in infancy. Also called well-care visits or checkups, these routine examinations provide the best opportunity for the doctor to observe the progress of your child's physical and mental growth and development; to counsel and teach parents; to detect problems through screening tests; to provide immunizations, and to get to know one another. Well-care visits are strongly recommended as part of preventive pediatric care.

Well-child visits are also a good time for parents to raise questions and concerns about a child's development, behavior, nutrition, safety and overall well-being.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends this schedule for routine well-care visits:

• 3 to 5 days
• 1 month
• 2 months
• 4 months
• 6 months
• 9 months
• 12 months
• 15 months
• 18 months
• 24 months
• 30 months
• 3 years
• 4 years
• And once every year thereafter for an annual health supervision visit that includes a physical exam as well as a developmental, behavioral, and learning assessment.

Q: What is the best way to schedule an appointment with your office?

A: You can schedule an appointment by calling our office during regular business hours, or by requesting an appointment online.

Q: Is your office accepting new patients?

A: Yes, we always welcome new patients. Contact our office for additional information or request an appointment.

Q: Why does my child need to receive vaccinations?

A: Immunizations are a series of shots given to children at different ages to help ward off serious, and potentially fatal, childhood diseases. Making sure your child receives immunizations when scheduled is the best way to help protect your child from potentially fatal diseases. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, vaccinations have reduced the number of infections from vaccine-preventable diseases by more than 90%. If you're apprehensive about vaccinations, please do not hesitate to contact our office.

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