The early years of a child’s life are very important. Early life experience can have an impact on later health outcomes. Approximately 18,000 babies are born in Kent and Medway each year. Each of these children will require immunisation and vaccinations against childhood diseases. As children grow-up their health care needs change and how health care professionals engage with children needs to be adaptable and flexible. Children are more susceptible to road traffic accidents and may experience peer pressure to take drugs and drink alcohol. It is important that teenagers and young adults are well informed to make choices on health and lifestyle behaviours such as smoking and sexual health.
The Joint Strategic Needs Assessment for Children in Kent 2011 gives more information on local children's needs.
Child Well-Being Profiles for each local authority area can be found in the list below.
