Even as stay-at-home orders and other restrictions have been lifted in many areas amid the COVID-19 pandemic, some parents are continuing to put off much-needed appointments and vaccinations for their children. But Johns Hopkins Medicine pediatric experts say now is when children should be seeing their care providers, as the new “Ready, Set, Go!” campaign urges.

Many parents have been concerned for themselves and their children about potential exposure to the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, and they have opted not to go to the doctor’s office. Others may lack transportation, insurance or adequate childcare for their children.

“It’s important for parents to ensure their kids get the care they need, especially with schools reopening,” says Margaret Moon, M.D., M.P.H., co-director and pediatrician-in-chief at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, and associate professor of pediatrics at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. “Parents should ensure that children are up to date on their vaccines and seek appropriate care for their children, particularly for injuries or other urgent conditions requiring emergency care.”

The experts at Johns Hopkins Medicine also advise parents not to delay regular care at the doctor’s office for preexisting conditions, or sick visits and annual checkups.

If a child needs surgery, they say, it’s also essential not to hold off.

“At our facility, and at other pediatric hospitals across the nation, there are now extremely safe environments in the operating rooms, with all patients tested preoperatively for COVID-19, and the highest standards of cleanliness maintained,” says David Hackam, M.D., Ph.D., co-director and pediatric surgeon-in-chief at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, and professor of surgery at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. “We can assure families that there is no reason to delay any necessary surgery.”

Not seeking or delaying care, say Moon and Hackam, could worsen any health concerns that physicians have for their pediatric patients or put the children at higher risk for complications later.