Be Well. Actually.
Staying on top of Well-Child Checks and vaccinations is one way to make sure teens are healthy, confident and feeling their best.
If you have questions about Well-Child Checks or getting the HPV vaccine, please see the resources below.
Feeling ready to schedule? Give us a call 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday at (402) 734-4110.
Taking care of your health is good self-care, but that doesn’t mean you have to do it by yourself. OneWorld is here for all your questions and to make sure you’re Well. Actually.
HPV Vaccines
The HPV vaccine protects certain types of cancers caused by the human papillomavirus. It’s recommended for 11- and 12-year-olds but safe as early as age 9.
Well-Child Checks
Well-Child Checks provide a foundation for healthy growth from birth through the teen years. For pre-teens and teens, an annual checkup is recommended.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
What is HPV?
HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a common infection that can spread during intimate skin contact – including vaginal, anal and oral sex. Almost everyone will get HPV at some point in their lives.
While most HPV infections go away on their own, some infections last longer and cause cancer. These cancers can affect the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anus and back of throat.
HPV vaccination can prevent more than 90% of cancers caused by HPV.
When do you get the HPV vaccine?
The HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine is recommended at ages 11-12, though children as young as 9 can get vaccinated.
Kids ages 9-14 need only two doses of the vaccine. If starting the vaccine series at age 15 or later, then three doses are needed.
It’s important to get every dose of the vaccine for the best protection.
Why is the HPV vaccine important?
The HPV vaccine protects against certain types of cancer caused by HPV, or human papillomavirus. A simple series of shots now can prevent serious illness later in life.
That’s because, while many HPV infections clear on their own, others can stick around longer and cause cancer. The vaccine prevents over 90% of cancers caused by HPV.
Besides preventing HPV-related cancers, the vaccine has also led to a drop in genital warts among young people and fewer cases of pre-cancers of the cervix.
Is the HPV vaccine safe?
Yes! The HPV vaccine has been around for more than 15 years, with over 135 million doses given. It is closely studied for safety and effectiveness.
Like any vaccine, the HPV vaccine may cause common and mild side effects like soreness or redness around the injection site; dizziness; or nausea. Fainting immediately after a shot is possible and more common among adolescents, so sitting or lying down for 15 minutes immediately after a shot is recommended.
Why should my child get the HPV vaccine if they aren’t having sex yet?
Vaccines work best before a person is ever exposed to disease. In the case of the HPV vaccine, completing the series early helps protect the child before their risk of exposure.
Plus, getting vaccinated younger means fewer shots. Kids 14 and younger only need two doses for full immunization, while people 15 and older need three doses.
Do kids of all genders need the HPV vaccine?
Yes! HPV infections can cause cancers of the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anus and back of throat. In the United States, HPV causes about 36,000 cases of cancer each year in men and women.
Well-Child Checks
What is a Well-Child Check?
A Well-Child Check is an appointment to make sure a child or teen’s growth and development are normal, to check for health problems and discuss any concerns.
At a Well-Child Check, your health care provider takes measurements like height, weight and blood pressure.
The appointment might also include screenings for behavioral and mental health concerns and risk assessments for substance use. Vaccines, blood work and other procedures might also be needed.
How often does my teen need to have a Well-Child Check?
It’s recommended that adolescents ages 11-21 have a Well-Child Check every year, even if your child seems healthy. Well-Child Checks are about screening for issues that might not be apparent, as well as preventing future health problems.
What’s the difference between a Well-Child Check and other appointments?
Well-Child Checks are different from school and sports physicals because they cover different topics and questions about the child’s health and physical abilities.
My child isn’t sick. Why do they need a checkup every year?
Well-Child Checks help patients, their families and their provider talk about ways to stay healthy and prevent future problems. Kids who have annual checkups are less likely to have to go to the emergency room, and they are more likely to be up-to-date on vaccines and receive attention for developmental concerns.
Well-Child Checks can catch health problems early. If that happens, the teen and their family have more opportunities to ask questions and make choices about treatment options. Finding problems earlier can lead to better outcomes.
Can teens have confidential health visits?
Yes! Minors can schedule a separate confidential visit without their parent/guardian present for things like pregnancy and birth control; STI testing and treatment; and substance use. In addition, 18-year-olds can access behavioral health services on their own.
How do I make an appointment for my teen?
Call OneWorld at (402) 734-4110. Our operations team is available Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
See other booking options on our Appointments page.