2021 Recommendations for Preventive Pediatric Health Care

American Academy of Pediatrics

Policy Statement

March 1, 2021

This policy statement outlines the 2021 recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics and Bright Futures for preventive pediatric health care screenings and assessments at each well-child visit from infancy through adolescence.

Pediatric Care

Policy and Advocacy

Surveillance and Screening

Evidence and Research

Implementation Strategies

Transforming Pediatrics for Early Childhood

Health Care Practitioners

The 2021 Recommendations for Preventive Pediatric Health Care, also known as the Periodicity Schedule, represent a consensus of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Bright Futures Periodicity Schedule Workgroup. These recommendations are designed for the care of children who are receiving competent parenting, have no manifestations of any important health problems, and are growing and developing in a satisfactory fashion. Developmental, psychosocial, and chronic disease issues for children and adolescents may require frequent counseling and treatment visits separate from preventive care visits. Additional visits may also become necessary if circumstances suggest variations from the norm.