Parents fall behind on child doctor visits amid COVID-19 pandemic

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Dr. Pamela Casson of Sunrise Pediatrics in Colorado Springs says it's understandable that parents were worried about COVID-19, but now it's time to get back on track with your child's doctors appointments.

"We've gotten the health department to confirm we are using appropriate cleaning measures," said Casson. "So a lot of pediatric practices are doing everything just right to maintain the safety of children being seen there."

From height and weight to spotting emerging chronic health issues and vaccines, Casson says these routine appointments matter.  

But fear isn't the only thing causing kids to fall behind on their doctor visits.

Casson says one challenge is that medical care is expensive, and not available to everyone. 

Amid the pandemic, the El Paso County Health Department has also closed their Immunization Clinic, which provides free vaccinations to under-insured children.

"It's those children that don't have any insurance at all that may fall through the cracks," said Casson.

Casson says she also worries about parents mistaking the flu for COVID-19 come fall.

"Especially with COVID-19 being out and about, we want to be able to distinguish between the two," says Dr. Casson. "The last thing we need is a whole bunch of flu cases on top of COVID."