From the Research
During a well-child check for a 5-year-old female, the recommended vaccines are DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), IPV (polio), MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), and varicella vaccines, which are the final doses of the primary series before adolescence, as supported by the study 1. The well-child visit allows for a comprehensive assessment of the child, including growth parameters, vital signs, vision and hearing screening, and developmental milestones such as gross and fine motor skills, language development, cognitive abilities, and social-emotional development.
- A complete physical examination should be performed, including heart, lungs, abdomen, skin, neurological assessment, and dental health.
- Discussion of nutrition, sleep patterns (typically 10-12 hours needed), physical activity (at least 60 minutes daily), screen time limits (1-2 hours daily), safety measures (car seats, water safety, stranger danger), and behavior/discipline approaches is essential.
- The DTaP, IPV, MMR, and varicella vaccines are crucial for protecting against serious childhood diseases and are important for both individual and community protection through herd immunity, as noted in the study 1.
- Additionally, assessing for any family concerns, school readiness, and providing anticipatory guidance about upcoming developmental changes and challenges is vital, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics 2.
- The most recent study 3 also supports the use of combination vaccines, such as DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB, which provides a long-term immune response and is highly immunogenic and safe.
- However, for a 5-year-old, the focus is on the DTaP, IPV, MMR, and varicella vaccines, as stated in the study 1, which provides the most relevant and recent evidence for this age group.