Your Child’s Three Year Well Child Visit: What to Expect

Congratulations… your child is now three years old! It probably amazes you how much your child has grown and changed in just three short years. Your child can now communicate with you, express her personality, and develop interests and preferences. It is quite rewarding as a parent when your child begins to understand and anticipate things and express love and affection. We want to help you keep your child healthy and developing normally; here is what to expect at today’s visit.

Please let us know if you have any particular questions or concerns.

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.

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.

Fluoride varnish

Guidelines recommend fluoride varnish for all children at this age; we apply it every three to six months for children who don’t have a dentist yet. It is safe and protects young children’s teeth which is important for your child’s health. Your child’s baby teeth are essential for feeding, talking, and speech development. Poor oral health can lead to infections and affect overall health. Learn more about our oral health program and all about caring for your child’s oral health in our Oral Health Center.

Free book!

We are a Reach Out and Read site. That means that your child will receive a brand-new book at every well-child visit from 6 months to 5 years old! Partnering with Reach Out and Read is part of our early literacy and school readiness initiatives. Learn more about our partnership with this amazing program.

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

References