Measles cases have been reported in the Pittsburgh area - please see recent communication from the Allegheny County Department of Health and make sure all family members are up-to-date on their measles vaccinations. If you or your child have had potential exposure or symptoms of fever and rash, call before booking an appointment.

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KNOWLEDGE CENTER

Toddler Well Visits: Supporting Your Toddler's Development

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Well visit services

Learn how toddler well visits help catch potential issues early, such as vision problems or speech delays, and set the foundation for healthy development.

Vaccines for toddlers

Seasonal immunizations for toddlers

Screenings for toddlers

Labs for toddlers

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Protecting your toddler with vaccines

Vaccination is one of the safest and most effective ways to protect your toddler’s health early in life. The immunization schedule recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is the trusted standard to train your toddler’s immune system. 


Here are the immunizations recommended for 12 to 35 months:

MMR

What: Protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, highly contagious viral infections spread through respiratory droplets (such as by coughing or sneezing) that can cause severe illness, especially in young children.

How: Typically given in 2 doses as an injection (the first is given at the 12 months well visit). These two doses are 97% effective at preventing measles.

Varicella

What: Protects against chickenpox (varicella), a highly contagious virus that causes fever and an itchy rash. While usually mild, varicella can sometimes lead to serious complications, including skin infections, pneumonia, dehydration, and brain inflammation.

How: A series of 2 injections (the first is typically given at the 12 months well visit).

Hepatitis A

What: Protects against hepatitis A, a virus that affects the liver and spreads easily through contaminated food, water, or person-to-person contact.

How: A series of 2 injections, typically given at the 12 months and 18 months well visits.

DTaP

What: Protects against diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough), respiratory infections that can cause severe disease or even death, and tetanus, a bacterial infection caused by contaminated wounds.

How: A series of 5 shots by age 4, with the fourth injection given at the 15 months well visit (it is effective about 2 weeks after the first shot but needs the booster shots to continue protection).

Polio (IPV)

What: Protects against polio, a virus spread through infected stool or contaminated food or water that can affect the nervous system and cause severe muscle weakness or loss of movement.

How: This injection may be given at the 15 month well visit as part of a “catch up” period only if the child’s vaccine schedule was delayed.

Hib

What: Protects against Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), a bacteria that spreads through respiratory droplets (like coughing or sneezing) and can cause serious infections such as meningitis and pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and severe throat swelling that makes breathing difficult.

How: A booster dose of Hib vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age is crucial for long-term protection.

Pneumococcal

What: Protects against pneumococcal bacteria, which spread through coughing, sneezing, or close contact. These bacteria can cause common infections, such as ear infections or pneumonia, but can also cause serious infections in your child’s blood or around their brain or spinal cord.

How: A booster dose of pneumococcal vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age is crucial for long-term protection.

Fewer shots, more protection

Giving vaccines in combination completes the series more quickly and reduces stress for your toddler. Combination vaccines do not “overload” your toddler’s immune system.

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Seasonal immunizations for toddlers

The flu vaccine is recommended for all children 6 months and older, while the COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for children at high risk of severe COVID disease.

Flu shot:

What:

Protects against seasonal influenza (flu), which can lead to serious complications in children, especially those younger than 2, or children of any age with certain chronic health conditions, such as asthma or diabetes. 

How:

Flu vaccines are given as an injection (approved for use in children 6 months and older) or as a nasal spray (approved for use in children 2 years and older).

When:

Children should receive a flu vaccine every flu season. September and October are generally good times to get vaccinated, with a goal of vaccination by the end of October whenever possible.

Two doses may be needed

Children between 6 months and 8 years of age may need two doses of flu vaccine if they are getting vaccinated for the first time, have only previously received one dose of flu vaccine, or if their flu vaccination history is unknown. Ask your Kids Plus Pediatrics provider for more details.

Screenings for toddlers

Screenings are another essential part of toddler well visits.

Here are the screenings recommended for 12 to 35 months:

Fluoride

What: Fluoride helps protect your toddler’s teeth from cavities.

How: We may apply a small amount of fluoride to your toddler’s teeth during the visit, which only takes a few seconds. Your toddler can eat and drink shortly after.

Why: Dentists also apply fluoride, but we can do this in our office until your child is established with dental care.

Social needs

What: A short set of questions we ask all families about things like food, housing, transportation, and safety.

How: Questionnaire during pre-registration or check-in that takes 2-3 minutes.

Why: When we understand your child’s environment, we can better support their growth, behavior, and success at home and at school.

Vision

What: This screening checks your toddler’s vision and how their eyes are working together.

How: We typically use a handheld camera or light to look at your toddler’s eyes, which takes just a few minutes and is painless.

Why: Vision problems are not always easy to notice, and early management can make a big difference in your child’s development and learning.

Autism

What: A short set of questions we ask all families to understand how your toddler communicates, behaves, and interacts with others.

How: Questionnaire during pre-registration or check-in that takes 2-3 minutes.

Why: Early support for children with signs of autism can greatly improve their communication and social skills.

Developmental

What: A short set of questions we ask all families to understand your toddler's development, including how they move, communicate, and interact with others.

How: Questionnaire during pre-registration or check-in that takes about 10 minutes.

Why: Toddlers grow and develop quickly. Your input helps us make sure your child is meeting expected milestones and address any concerns as early as possible.

No right answers

No right answers

Every toddler develops differently and every family is unique, so there are no right or wrong answers. This information allows your care team to help you and your child in a way that best meets your needs.

A note about privacy

A note about privacy

All your screening answers are private. We do not report this information to outside agencies. However, we can connect you to helpful resources if you request them.

Labs for toddlers

Labs are also an important part of toddler well visits.

Here are the lab tests recommended for 12 to 35 months:

Hemoglobin

What: A simple test that checks hemoglobin, a measure that tells us if your child has enough iron.

How: We use a small finger stick to get a drop of blood. The test is quick, and we usually have the results during your visit.

Why: Iron is essential for your child’s growth and brain development, but low levels may not be obvious. This test helps us find concerns early so we can treat them.

Lead

What: A simple test that checks for lead in your child’s blood.

How: We use a small finger stick to get a drop of blood. The test is quick, and results will be available during your visit or sent to you shortly after your appointment.

Why: Lead exposure can affect your toddler’s growth, behavior, and learning. Babies and toddlers are at higher risk because they tend to put items in their mouths as part of exploration.

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