How to register a child for a routine checkup?
In Calgary, parents have several options for scheduling a routine checkup for their child: through their family doctor (the best option), Alberta Health Services community health centers for vaccinations and checkups for infants up to 5 years of age, or walk-in clinics for emergencies. A referral from a family doctor is required for specialized pediatric consultations.
1. Main ways to schedule a routine checkup
Through your family doctor
Best option for routine checkups:
- Regular medical exams and growth monitoring
- Vaccinations according to the provincial schedule
- Comprehensive approach to family health
- Coordination with pediatric specialists as needed
Recommended family clinics:
- Signature Medical Centre: 403-454-7550
- Excel Health: family practice with a play area for children
- Chinook Medical Centre: accepting new patients
- COR Medical Centre: Dr. Khanna and Dr. Taiwo are accepting new patients
Alberta Health Services Community Health Centres
For children aged 2 months to 5 years:
- Routine vaccinations at 2, 4, 6, 12, 18 months and 4 years
- Parent education on child care
- Growth and development assessment
- Free services for Alberta residents
20 centers across the Calgary area:
- South Calgary Health Centre
- East Calgary Health Centre
- Chestermere Health Centre
Walk-in clinics
For urgent or emergency cases:
- Signature Medical Centre: Mon–Fri 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., Sat 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
- Walk-in patients accepted
- Same level of care provided as registered patients
2. Schedule of routine child health checks
Infants (0–18 months)
| Age | What it includes | Where to register |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | First check-up after discharge from hospital | Family doctor |
| 2 months | Vaccination + check-up | Public health center / family doctor |
| 4 months | Vaccination + check-up | Public health center / family doctor |
| 6 months | Vaccination + check-up | Public health center / family doctor |
| 12 months | Vaccination + check-up | Public health center / family doctor |
| 18 months | Vaccination + check-up | Public health center / family doctor |
Preschoolers and schoolchildren
- After 3 years: annual check-ups with a family doctor
- 4 years old: last vaccination at a public health center
- School age: vaccination in grades 6–7 and 9 through school programs
3. How to make an appointment
Health Link 811
- Call 811 Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
- Translation into over 240 languages
- 24/7 nursing advice
- Help finding a family doctor and booking vaccinations
Online booking
- COR Medical Centre: for registered patients
- Temple Family Medical Clinic: for regular patients
Direct calls to clinics
- Signature Medical Centre: 403-454-7550
- Centre Street North Medical Clinic: 403-906-0210
4. Specialized pediatric consultations
When a referral is needed
Referral from a family doctor, nurse practitioner with Prac ID, or doctor from a walk-in clinic.
Top pediatric clinics and wait times
| Clinic | Wait time | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Calgary Children’s Clinic | Emergencies: 1–2 weeks Scheduled: 4–6 months |
403-264-3100 |
| Associate Pediatrics | Urgent: ≈1 month Scheduled: 1–2 months |
403-221-4434 |
| Sunnyhill Pediatric Clinic | Varies | 403-284-0001 |
5. What to bring to your appointment
Required documents
- Child's Alberta Health Card
- Guardian's passport or ID
- Vaccination records
- List of medications with dosages
Medical records for the first visit
- Previous medical history
- Test and diagnostic results
- X-rays (if available)
For your child's comfort
- Favorite toy or book
- Comfortable blanket
- Coloring books or stickers
- Stress toys
6. Preparing for the visit
1–2 days in advance
- Talk to your child about what will happen
- Play “doctor”
- Prepare a list of questions and symptoms
On the day of the appointment
- Arrive 10–15 minutes before the appointment
- Registration, height and weight measurement
- Filling out medical forms
7. What to expect during the visit
- Update medical history and medications
- Discussion of nutrition and physical activity
- Development and skills assessment
- Complete physical exam
- Vaccination updates
For infants, public health centers also provide parent education on breastfeeding, normal development, and referrals to support services.
8. Special situations
Newcomers to Canada
- Children's Rehabilitation Line at 811
- Child development consultations for children aged 0–18
Telephone consultations
- Children’s Health Clinic: appointments 403-955-1077 ext. 2
- Two-hour window for a doctor's call
Virtual assistance
- Your Doctors Online, Maple
- Some services are covered by provincial insurance
9. After your visit
Scheduling your next appointment
- Write down the dates recommended by your doctor before you leave
- Or call one month before your desired appointment date
Updating your records
- Use MyHealth.Alberta.ca
- Bring updated records to each appointment
If you have new problems
- Contact your family doctor
- In urgent cases, call 811 or go to the emergency room
Calgary's child health checkup system is comprehensive and accessible, with free services through Alberta Health Services and a wide network of family doctors. The key to success is establishing an early relationship with a family doctor and following the recommended schedule of checkups and vaccinations.