Doctors recommend children get medical checkups at the following ages:
| Newborn | 9 months |
| 1 month | 12 months |
| 2 months | 15 months |
| 4 months | 18 months |
| 6 months | 2 years |
Immunizations
Immunizations should be given at the following ages:
| 2 months | 12-18 months |
| 4 months | *It is recommended to speak with your child’s medical provider for annual flu and Covid-19 vaccines for children 6 months and older. |
| 6 months |
- Immunizations have saved millions of lives, mainly babies and children. But—if parents don’t continue to get their children their shots many diseases can, and will, return.
- Immunizations prevent more than a dozen potentially deadly diseases in children by the time they are 2.
- You should talk to your health care provider about how on-time immunizations can help protect your child.
- By working with your provider, you can help ensure that your child is healthy and fully protected!
| Cass County Public Health: (712) 243-7546 | Pottawattamie County Public Health: (712) 242-1155 |
| Harrison Home & Public Health: (712) 644-2220 | Shelby County Public Health: (712) 755-4422 |
| Mills County Public Health: (712) 527-9699 | Monona County Public Health: (712) 423-9175 |
Dental checkups are recommended at:
| 12 months | 2 years | Every 6 months starting at age 3 |
Lead Poisoning and Testing:
Children aged 0-5 should be tested for lead poisoning. Test at 12 & 24 months. If risk has not changed, additional testing is not required.
How do children become lead-poisoned?
Children can get lead poisoning by swallowing or breathing in lead. Lead can be found in dirt and sand near old buildings and busy streets, as well as in dust and paint chips from lead paint. Young children are most at-risk because they play on the floor or the ground and like to put their hands, toys, or other things in their mouths.
Law requiring childhood blood lead test: Iowa has a law which requires evidence of a blood lead test when kids first come to school. The law applies to kids in public and private schools.
Even though the law says before the child enters school blood lead testing should start when your child is 12 months.
Do You Have Concerns About Your Child’s Development?
1st Five can help! Your doctor can make a referral to 1st Five. Our Developmental Support Specialist will help you find and connect with the resources and services that best fit your child and family. Ask your doctor about 1st Five today!
If your child’s primary care provider does not refer to 1st Five, please contact the Area Education Agency for a self-referral to the Early ACCESS program which can support your child’s development.
