Physical exams should begin at birth and continue regularly throughout childhood and adolescence. The first exam usually takes place within six to eight hours of birth. The healthy child should then have check-ups at one, two, four, six and nine months of age. As the child grows older, the time between examinations becomes longer. After the second birthday, the time between check-ups may vary, depending on the schedule set by the doctor or insurance company, but are generally recommended approximately every two years through the age of twenty.
Children usually receive immunizations on a set schedule along with their physical exams.
Most immunizations are shots and are designed to help children develop natural immunity to certain diseases. In most states, immunizations are required for children starting school. Your child should also have a tuberculosis skin test. Most series of immunizations are done by the time the child is five years old. Tetanus and diphtheria vaccines are then given at ten year intervals and the rubella vaccine may be given with the pre-marital medical examination if a blood test indicates a lack of immunity to rubella.