A Service of the Commonwealth of Virginia

Staying Healthy

Preschooler: 2 to 5 years old

During the years from two to five, well-child checkups and shots (called immunizations) are as important as when your child was a baby. As your child spends more time outside the home, there’s more risk of getting sick from illnesses like the flu. You can prevent your child from getting sick by making sure he or she is up-to-date on shots and has good health habits.

Reading to your child about "staying healthy" can be a fun activity for you to do together. Planning an hour or more of physical activities each day will help your child stay healthy and fit. As your child is more active, there’s more risk of accident, too. You can make your home and car safe for your busy preschooler.

This is also the time to prepare your child for school. Children must have a physical exam and be up-to-date on shots to start preschool or elementary school. Work with your child’s doctor to find any vision, hearing, or speech problems, as well as any other special health care needs. Your efforts will help your child have a good start in school and be ready to learn!

To keep a record of doctor visits, print this Well-Child Schedule.