Why Primary Care Clinicians?
Most children have access to primary medical care. Primary care clinicians have regular, consistent contact through well-child visits. Consider the following:
- 95.1% of children in the United States had a well child check within the last 12 months (2024).
- 69.1% of children have completed all primary vaccines by age 2.
- Clinicians see children for wellness care a minimum of 10 times by age two.
In contrast, few preschool children from low-income families regularly receive dental care.
References
Immunization, National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control. Bethesda, MD. September 15, 2025. www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/immunize.htm
National Center for Health Statistics. Percentage of having a well child check-up in the past 12 months for children under age 18 years, United States, 2019—2024. National Health Interview Survey. wwwn.cdc.gov/NHISDataQueryTool/SHS_child/index.html
Hagan JF, Shaw JS, Duncan PM, eds. Bright Futures: Guidelines for Health Supervision of Infants, Children, and Adolescents. 4th ed. Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2017.