The U9 examination is one of the important preventive examinations. When exactly is the U9 examination done? Why is the U9 examination so important? What is actually done and tested? Can a child “fail” the tests? Are vaccinations given?

In this article you will find all the answers to your questions.

When Does The U9 Examination Take Place?

The U9 examination takes place between the 60th and 64th month of life, i.e. when your child is about 5 years old. The tolerance range is between the 58th and 66th month of life. The last U examinations were about 1 and 2 years ago.

The U9 examination takes place in the last year of kindergarten and is the last preventive examination for children.Your child will soon be entering the first grade. Do you already have the right gifts for school enrollment?

What Is Examined During The U9 Examination?

Before the physical examination, your child’s height and head circumference are measured and your child is weighed. Before the physical examination, the pediatrician will take a so-called medical history with you and ask you general questions about your child’s development.

As with the previous U examinations, the pediatrician will examine your child’s entire body as well as his or her cognitive abilities and emotional and social skills.

The Following Are Also Examined:

• Body: conspicuous skin, injuries, inflammatory skin changes, asymmetries, crooked posture, passive mobility of the large joints, muscle reflexes, foot position.
• Organs: Heart and lung function, bowel sounds, liver and spleen.
• Mouth, Jaw, Nose: Abnormalities of teeth and mucosa, jaw abnormalities, signs of injury.
• Gross Motor Skills: Catching larger balls, walking up and down stairs with alternating feet.
• Fine Motor Skills: Adult pencil posture, cutting straight lines with child’s scissors.
• Language: Pronunciation without errors (individual sounds can still be mispronounced), six- to eight-word sentences, events and stories are largely reproduced in the correct temporal and logical sequence.
• Perception/Cognition: At least 3 colors are recognized and correctly named.
• Social/Emotional Competence: Takes turns with children in play, willingness to share, emotions can be mostly self-regulated, usually tolerates lighter, common disappointments.
• Interaction/Communication: Invites other children to join him and is invited.

Also examines your child’s general posture. Can it stand up straight? Do the muscles have good basic tension? As with the previous U exams, your child’s vision will again be examined.

This time, several vision tests will be done. You may be referred to an eye doctor for these tests.

Other Skills That Should Be Mastered At The Time Of The U9 Examination

At the time of this examination, most children play role-playing games involving dressing up, transforming into animals or into role models, such as knights and princesses with other children and on their own. The first rule games, such as board or card games, are also played.

In addition, everyday situations or experiences with dolls or stuffed animals are acted out. Your child should be able to hop left and right on one leg and stand alternately.

Most children can now trace a circle, square, or rectangle. Your child should now know how to use a knife and fork and be able to make his or her own sandwich. Also, most children know their address by heart.

What Consultations Take Place At The U9 Examination?

The pediatrician will advise you on topics such as:

• Nutrition And Exercise
• Dental Health And Caries Prophylaxis
• Vaccinations
• Media Consumption
• Addiction

In addition, the pediatrician will advise you on the prevention of obesity (morbid overweight).

What Do You Need To Bring To The U9 Examination?

As with all U examinations, you should bring both the U booklet and your child’s vaccination card so that everything can be documented and the current vaccination status can be checked.

A completely filled out U-Heft and a complete vaccination card are useful, for example, in the event of an accident, so that the attending physician can quickly get an overview and treat your child accordingly as quickly as possible.

In case of a change of pediatrician, the new pediatrician can get an overview of your child’s development without having to examine him/her again.

Why Is The U9 Examination So Important?

This examination is an important preventive examination for children, since children go through most of their development in a short period of time during the first years of life. In order to detect and treat developmental delays and diseases as early as possible, it is important to take advantage of every preventive examination for children and adolescents.

The U examinations can also reassure you as a mother if you are worried that your child is not developing according to age and the pediatrician confirms that your child is developing healthily.

Are Vaccinations Given At The U9 Examination?

At the time of this examination, tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis are usually boostered for the first time as a triple vaccination. Polio, hepatitis B, meningococcus as well as mumps, measles, rubella and varicella can be vaccinated as a catch-up vaccination. You can find out if your child needs to be vaccinated and against what when you make the appointment for the examination.

What Happens If Not All Tests Are “Passed”?

Screenings are not about your child “passing” every test. The pediatrician wants to get a general picture of how your child has developed over the past few years. Only if there are abnormalities in several areas, there may be a need for treatment.

Every child develops at his or her own pace. Some children feel uncomfortable on the day of the examination and show abnormalities that are not present in everyday life. Or they are very excited and therefore cannot stand on one leg, for example.

If your child can do such things in a familiar environment or does not show any abnormalities, talk to the pediatrician about it. If there is a developmental delay, your pediatrician will inform you about therapeutic measures and refer your child to appropriate therapists, e.g. occupational therapists or speech therapists.

The earlier a developmental delay is detected, the better the treatment options.

What Happens If You Miss The U9 Examination?

The examination is usually performed between the 60th and 64th month of life. The tolerance range is between the 58th and 66th month of life. If this examination is performed after the 66th month of life, you will have to pay for it yourself as an IGeL service, as the health insurance companies no longer cover the costs.

Tip: in order not to miss the U9 examination, make the appointment when you take your child to the U8 examination. If you notice something before the U examinations or have specific questions, you can make a note of it in the U booklet. This way, it cannot be forgotten during the U examinations.