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Coordinated Care Encourages Early Childhood Checkups and Vaccinations During COVID-19 Pandemic

Date: 12/01/20

Seattle, WA (December 1, 2020) - Routine well-child care and vaccinations have declined dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic, as parents avoid medical services to mitigate the transmission of the coronavirus. While Coordinated Care recognizes the health concerns of communities across Washington State, we encourage parents to continue to schedule checkup appointments and get  vaccinations for children to protect against preventable diseases.

The stay-at-home orders to control the COVID-19 pandemic may have caused individuals to question the safety of health clinics and the significance of childhood checkups. Specifically, among children aged five months, vaccination rates have declined from approximately two-thirds (66.3%) of children during 2016 – 2019 to fewer than half (49.7%) in May 2020, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC reports similar trends among older children as well, with non-influenza vaccination rates decreasing by 21.5% for children under 18 years old and younger.

“With lower than normal vaccination coverage among all age groups, children may be at higher risk for vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, whooping cough, chicken pox, and more,” said Dr. Mark Maddox, Chief Medical Officer, Coordinated Care. “Even during these uncertain times, it’s important that we continue to encourage everyone to protect themselves, including getting immunizations to protect children from preventable health complications.”

Through Coordinated Care, members can conveniently schedule an initial virtual appointment with their primary care physicians via telehealth services. Using telehealth services, a physician will be able to deliver healthcare services such as well-child care exams, and if necessary, can work with parents to schedule an in-person vaccination visit.

In-person visits are still an option for well-child care exams too, as hospitals and health clinics across Washington have been regularly updating safety procedures to help avoid coronavirus transmission. Throughout the pandemic, healthcare workers have continued to support communities with their health needs using personal protective equipment to safeguard themselves and patients, so parents can feel comfortable in scheduling necessary doctor appointments for their children.

To help ease the uncertainty of clinic visits, Coordinated Care encourages parents to take steps that can further help to protect themselves and their family during the COVID-19 pandemic. Below are a few safety steps that can help the entire family prepare for in-person visits:

  • Before scheduling a doctor appointment, call the clinic or check its website to find out what is being done to keep people safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Before the day of the doctor visit, parents may receive a call from the clinic asking about any symptoms of COVID-19 across the family.
  • Be sure to follow standard precautions during the doctor visit: wear a face mask, wash hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer, and cover mouth while coughing or sneezing with tissue.
  • Practice social distancing by maintaining a distance of at least six feet from others (this may be indicated by markings on the floor). 
  • Avoid contact with frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, elevator surfaces, and touchpads. Be mindful of the surfaces young children touch and are in contact with.
  • Use touchless payment options such as a mobile payment system. If that is not an option, use credit cards if possible.

Coordinated Care can help members connect with their primary care physician, either through telehealth services or in-person visits. Members can use the Find a Provider tool at https://www.coordinatedcarehealth.com/find-a-doctor.html or call their Coordinated Care representative at 1-877-644-4613. For more information about Coordinated Care services and benefits, please visit https://www.coordinatedcarehealth.com/.

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