Well-visits are a good way to protect your child. They are free as part of your child’s Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid Program) benefits.

Your child’s doctor or nurse will:

• Check how much your child has grown, how well your child is developing and how they behave
• Give the right tests and check-ups for the child’s age
• Give the shots that are recommended to keep your child healthy
• Send you to a specialist, if needed
• Talk to you about questions or concerns
• Give you tips on ways to help keep your child healthy

When does my child need to go to the doctor?

Your Health First Colorado benefits cover visits for checking your child’s health at specific times from when they are born until they turn 20 years old.

• 3 to 5 days after birth (if the baby leaves the hospital less than 48 hours after delivery)
• 1 month
• 2 months
• 4 months
• 6 months
• 9 months
• 1 year
• 15 months
• 18 months
• 2 years
• 30 months
• All children 3-20 years should visit their primary care provider once a year

When does my child need to go to a dentist?

It’s really important for kids to see the dentist regularly, not just the doctor. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists says parents should make two dental appointments each year for their children. They can start at six months old or when their first tooth comes in.

Kids who are 20 years old or younger can get dental care. They can have check-ups, cleanings, x-rays, sealants, space maintainers and fluoride treatments.

Going to the doctor every year is not only for kids and teenagers. It is also important for adults to go for regular check-ups. When you go for a regular check-up, the doctor can check your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, weight, and overall health. This helps the doctor find any health problems early on, so they don’t get worse. During these visits, you can also talk about things like what you eat and how you exercise and ask questions you have about your health. Going once a year is important for staying healthy and can help prevent and take care of ongoing health issues.

Adult Dental Benefits

As a Health First Colorado member, you can get dental services such as cleanings, fillings, root canals, crowns, partial dentures and other treatments for your teeth.

Schedule a visit today!

Call your primary care provider’s office today and schedule an appointment. Use the CCHA provider search tool to find a primary care or behavioral health provider who is right for you. If you need help or have questions, view our search tips or contact CCHA Member Support Services.

This winter, it is important to protect yourself from COVID-19, the flu and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Each of these illnesses can make you very sick, and they all spread easily from person to person. That's why scheduling a wellness visit and getting vaccinated is super important. Your health care provider can answer any questions you may have about the following vaccine recommendations.

1. COVID-19: You've probably heard a lot about COVID-19. It's a virus that can cause coughing, trouble breathing, and even worse symptoms. It spreads easily, and the best way to protect yourself and others is by getting the COVID-19 vaccine. This vaccine helps you stay safe and stops the virus from spreading in your community.

Updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna became available in most communities on September 15, 2023.

• Pediatric and adolescent guidance: Everyone ages 5 years and older is recommended to receive 1 dose of the updated (2023–2024 Formula) mRNA COVID-19 vaccine
• Children ages 6 months–4 years
• Initial vaccination: should receive either 2 doses of updated (2023–2024 Formula) Moderna or 3 doses of updated (2023–2024 Formula) Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine
• Received previous mRNA doses: need 1 or 2 doses of updated (2023–2024 Formula) Moderna or updated (2023–2024 Formula) Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, depending on the number of prior doses
• Adult guidance: Adults should receive the updated Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine dose to be best protected from severe illness. If you are not yet vaccinated, you should complete the updated series as soon as possible. If you have been previously vaccinated, you should get an updated vaccine at least two months after your last dose. All adults should aim for vaccination by the end of October.
• Additional guidance for older adults and those with compromised immune systems: The CDC recommends adults ages 65 years and older speak with their health care provider about receiving a second dose.
• People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised
• Initial vaccination: should receive a 3-dose series of updated (2023–2024 Formula) Moderna or updated (2023–2024 Formula) Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine
• Received previous mRNA doses: need 1 or 2 doses of updated (2023–2024 Formula) Moderna or updated (2023–2024 Formula) Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, depending on the number of prior doses
• May receive 1 or more additional updated (2023–2024 Formula) mRNA COVID-19 vaccine doses
• Bivalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are no longer recommended in the United States

Why is COVID-19 immunization valuable for your community?

The updated vaccines were created to target currently circulating strains of coronavirus. These vaccines significantly reduce the risk of developing severe COVID-19 complications and hospitalization, ultimately protecting against avoidable severe illness or death.

1. The Flu: The flu, short for influenza, is a common winter sickness. It can give you a high fever and aches and makes breathing hard. When the flu and COVID-19 mix, it can make people even sicker. Flu vaccines are effective at saving and protecting lives.

• The 2023-2024 seasonal flu vaccines are now available
• According to the CDC, it is safe and effective to receive multiple immunizations, such as the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, during the same vaccination appointment.
• Check with your health care provider if you have questions about getting multiple vaccinations at one time. Learn more about the flu and the flu vaccine.

1. RSV: RSV is like a bad cold but can be much worse, especially for babies and older people. When RSV and COVID-19 happen together, it can lead to even more severe problems.

RSV immunizations should be available by October 2023 or sooner.

• Pediatric guidance: Most infants younger than 8 months, born during or entering their first RSV season, should receive one dose of the Sanofi and AstraZeneca monoclonal antibody treatment, nirsevimab (Beyfortus), as soon as possible. Young children aged 8–19 months who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease and entering their second RSV season are also recommended to receive one dose of nirsevimab.
• Older adult guidance: Adults ages 60 and older can receive their Abrysvo (Pfizer) or Arexvy (GSK) vaccine dose after speaking with their health care provider about personal health risks. Learn more about RSV and the RSV vaccine.

Your doctor can answer any questions you may have about the COVID-19, flu and RSV vaccines. Talk to your doctor about what’s best for you.