Your Child’s 8-Year Well Visit: What to Expect

Your child is growing up!. Although children this age are not physically growing as fast as before, they are intellectually and socially developing, and believe it or not, puberty can start as early as age 8. Even if there are no physical signs, hormone changes are already starting to take place, getting your child’s body ready for the changes to come. Frequent and thorough physical exams are still very important. Here is what to expect at today’s checkup.

Vaccines usually given at this visit

These are the vaccines we usually give at this visit. Your child’s schedule may differ from the usual schedule. You can view your child’s vaccine record on the portal and compare it with the standard schedule.

Vaccines are among the most researched and safest treatments for children (and adults). They are highly effective at preventing severe illness and death and save hundreds of thousands of children’s lives every year. For centuries, these diseases were the most common cause of death in children, and all of them are still present and a threat to the health and lives of infants and children. Visit our Vaccine Center for more information.

The influenza (flu) vaccine is recommended during flu season for all children. Children less than nine years old need two doses this year if they have not had at least two doses before. The vaccine is usually given between October and March each year.

More information

Giving medication for fever or pain before the vaccines is not recommended, and it is not needed for fever after the vaccines either. Fever will not harm your child, and it helps the vaccines work. You only need to treat discomfort. If your child is cranky, fussy, or uncomfortable, give some pain medication (acetaminophen or ibuprofen). See After Vaccine Care for more information.

You can learn more about each vaccine from the CDC Vaccine Information Statements (VIS). There is a link above for each vaccine and a copy in a notebook in your exam room. You can also ask for a paper copy at your child’s visit.

Hearing and vision screening

Hearing and vision screening are done every 2 years at this age. If your child did not have them done last year, then they are due today.

Vision screening

Your child’s vision is critical during the younger years because a proper “image” from the eyes is necessary for the brain to develop correctly. If it doesn’t, lifelong vision loss will occur because the brain never developed correctly. We will check your child’s vision today using a standard vision chart as a screening tool. Normal vision at this age is at least 20/40 in each eye. If your child’s vision is worse than 20/40 on this screening test, she will need to see an optometrist or ophthalmologist. We have a list of recommended specialists. Learn more about vision screening in children.

Hearing Screening

Your child’s hearing is important for learning speech and language development during the younger years. Hearing loss is often not noticed until significant loss has occurred. Young children often cannot tell that they have a hearing problem; it sounds normal to them. Hearing problems starting later in childhood can cause learning, social, and emotional difficulties. Learn more about hearing screening.

Visit the portal

  • All your child’s information is available on the portal: growth charts, vaccines, medications, and more!
  • Use the portal to contact us, schedule your next appointment, and much more!

Learn more about the portal and how to get started.

Next visit

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