Don’t miss out on important well-child appointments and vaccines

Hello from the Winona Health Pediatrics clinic. I hope all of our children and families throughout the community are doing well and following health guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Things have definitely changed because of this virus, but something that hasn’t changed is that it’s still very important to make sure you and your children get the care you need. One of the outcomes of the pandemic is that there has been a significant drop in children getting the vaccinations they need. Being behind on vaccines puts children at risk for getting vaccine-preventable illnesses like measles, whooping cough, meningitis and other infections. Please don’t wait when it comes to getting your child’s well child exams and vaccines. We at Winona Health are here for you and we love to see the kids…and parents too! The clinic is open normal hours again and we have processes in place to make receiving care safe.

• Everyone entering is asked to wear a mask. Please remember to bring and wear yours. If you are not able to bring your own, we can provide one. Children under 2 should not wear a mask due to concerns about the dangers of suffocation or strangulation.
• Everyone will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms, including taking your temperature with a touchless thermometer, upon entering Winona Health.
• Hand sanitizing stations are placed throughout the building.
• More frequent disinfecting to add to the already high cleaning and sanitizing standards at Winona Health.
• Markings on the floor and furniture placement aligns with physical distancing requirements.

So please, schedule an appointment for well child checkups and vaccines. We want to help you stay healthy. Now a message for the children… We are excited to see you at the clinic! We all might look a little funny wearing masks. I think my mask makes me look like spiderman—or Darth Vader. You’ll have to tell me what you think! You get to wear a mask too. The mask helps protect people from catching viruses—kind of like having a superpower. Washing your hands is another superpower—you’re probably really good at that by now. Remember to wash them really well and sing the ABCs or Happy Birthday song twice while you wash so you are sure to wash them long enough to make those germs go away. Pudge the bear is waiting to see you—you can’t play on him right now because he has to keep his paws extra clean, too. But you can still say hi and he’ll give you a smile! Back to you, parents…Now is actually a good time to schedule your appointments. Stay well, and remember we’re here for you to help you keep your kids healthy and on the right track, and provide answers, support and advice when you need it.