The health record evolves to “ take into account new health recommendations and societal developments”, indicates the general directorate of health in a press release. The first objective is to strengthen prevention of health-related issues. The twenty mandatory health examinations are all detailed. And eight health exams have been added in this new version. From the age of 2 and up to adolescence, questions on the child’s practice of physical activity were inserted.
The health record is accompanied by three health certificates which allow the transmission at the national level of non-nominative data for the purposes of statistical and epidemiological monitoring of children’s health and, locally, individual monitoring by departmental PMI services.
Better detect neurodevelopmental disorders
In accordance with the recommendations of the High Authority of Health and as part of the 2023-2027 national strategy for neurodevelopmental disorders, the health record integrates the grids from the booklet for identifying signs of unusual child development in the compulsory medical examinations. Neurodevelopmental disorders affect nearly one in six children and are constantly increasing.
Vaccination tracking
The two double pages devoted to vaccinations have been updated to accompany the new vaccination obligations and recommendations in force at the time of printing. As in the previous booklet, the copy of these two double pages serves as a vaccination certificate, particularly for the admission of children to a community.
Strengthen prevention on screens
The new health book provides advice to parents on raising their child without violence, on dietary diversification, sleep, but also the use of screens. Thus, recommendations are introduced from the age of 3 months, in an identification process by the health professional. Children are widely exposed to screens and are getting younger and younger. At 2 years old, a child spends on average nearly an hour daily in front of a screen, according to a study by Public health France. Scientists are unanimous that the use of screens has harmful consequences on their health. It contributes to sleep deficit, lack of physical activity, obesity, vision problems, etc.
The dematerialization of the health record should be integrated, by the end of 2026, into the child’s digital health space (My Health Space). The health record will also remain available in paper format.
Related News :