Mercy Rockford Health System issued the following announcement on June 30.
Mercyhealth pediatricians are emphasizing the importance of not delaying well-child visits for infants, children and adolescents during COVID-19.
Well-child visits are not only vital for gathering and monitoring important information regarding a child’s medical, behavioral and developmental milestones and needs, but are also when childhood vaccines are typically given.
According to a recent report from the CDC, there was a decrease in orders for non-influenza childhood vaccines and for measles-containing vaccines since March 2020. The report also suggests declines in vaccine ordering and doses administered might indicate that U.S. children and their communities face increased risks for outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
“It is very important parents not delay these important visits with their pediatrician or family doctor,” says Dr. John Perryman, pediatrician at Mercyhealth Roscoe. “I’m having these conversations every day with my patients and we’re encouraging families to come in. The younger the infant or child, the more important it is to keep track of how well they’re growing. Delaying important vaccinations can be crucial to a child’s health.”
To ensure patient safety for in-person appointments, Mercyhealth has implemented enhanced safety guidelines. All patients and visitors have their temperature taken when they enter locations. They must also be asymptomatic of flu-like and other respiratory-related symptoms. All Mercyhealth partners, patients, visitors and vendors are required to wear a mask. Mercyhealth has rearranged common areas and flooring cues allow for safe distance.
To help protect the health and safety of our patients, visitors, and care providers, it is important that everyone follow hospital rules and regulations and comply with specific requests from the care team and staff.
Original source can be found here.
Source: Mercy Rockford Health System
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