HASTINGS — Mary Lanning Healthcare’s primary care clinics would like to remind the public that well-child checks and immunizations are still considered important, even during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dave Long, Vice President of Clinic Operations, said it is understandable that many families may have been waiting to do well-child checks. However, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has deemed these checkups as “essential.”
“Due to the effects of COVID-19, and the recommendation to limit non-essential activities, we understand that many children in our communities may have missed well-child checks and vaccinations,” Long said. “However, the CDC recently issued a statement emphasizing the importance of continuing routine child care and immunizations to keep children on track for preventive services.”
In addition, Dr. Zach Frey at Hastings Family Care said that although the NSAA has waived requirements for pre-participation sports physicals, an annual physical exam is still a good idea for students.
“An annual physical exam can aid in the detection of conditions that may otherwise go unnoticed, including concussions or underlying conditions,” Frey said.
All MLH primary care clinics — Hastings Family Care and Community Health Center in Hastings, Blue Hill Medical Clinic in Blue Hill and Central Nebraska Family Care in Grand Island — have set aside times for well-child checks and physicals, Long said. Patients who are ill are separated from patients coming for preventive care, and the clinics are following all CDC recommendations to keep patients safe.
“Our primary care providers are dedicated to caring for your children,” Long said. “We encourage families who have missed or delayed routine well-child visits, annual physicals and vaccinations to contact one of our primary care clinics to schedule an appointment.”
- Hastings Family Care: 402-463-2929
- Community Health Center: 402-461-5265
- Central Nebraska Family Care: 308-381-8546
- Blue Hill Medical Clinic: 402-756-2141