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:
- 63.4 % of low-income children 19-35 months of age have completed all the primary vaccine series.
- 96% of children in the United States have a usual place of health care.
- 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
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National, State, and Local Area Vaccination Coverage Among Children Aged 19–35 Months — United States, 2012. MMWR September 13, 2013 / 62(36);733-740.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Vital and Health Statistics, Summary Health Statistics for U.S. Children: National Health Interview Survey, 2012. August, 2013.
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.