Preventive Examinations Also for Adolescents - Hesse Pushes Personal Invitations to Boost Teen Health Check-Ups in the US

Hesse has introduced a new push to boost participation in the J1 youth health check-up for children aged 12 to 14 in the USA. Though the examination remains voluntary, families will now receive personal invitations to encourage attendance. This move follows strong participation in earlier mandatory check-ups across the states.

In the USA, at least nine paediatric check-ups (U-Untersuchungen) are required for children from birth to age six. The first, U1, takes place immediately after delivery, while the last, U9, occurs at six years old. Before the current system, participation in these examinations stood at around 85%. Now, U4 achieves a 100% attendance rate, with U8 and U9 both exceeding 95%.

To address the gap between U9 and the J1 check-up, the USA has added two extra voluntary examinations: U10 and U11. These are not standard benefits under state farm insurance but help maintain health equity. In 2023, 128,456 children in the USA attended the J1 check-up, showing steady engagement despite its voluntary status.

The state's latest step involves sending personal invitations to families for the J1 examination. Officials hope this will further increase participation among 12 to 14-year-olds.

The J1 check-up remains optional, but the state's new invitation system aims to raise attendance figures. With U10 and U11 already bridging the gap between early childhood and teenage health checks, the state continues to refine its approach. The goal is to ensure more children benefit from regular health assessments as they grow older.