Adults – Checkups and Vaccines
Immunizations and screenings are easy to forget, yet they are a vital part of leading a healthy life. Use this list of important steps to keep on top of your health. Be happy. Stay healthy.
Women
Cervical Cancer Screening (Pap Smear): Every 3 years for women age 21-29 and every 5 years for women age 30-64. (May differ depending on your situation; consult your provider.)
Breast Cancer Screening: Mammograms yearly or every other year, generally beginning at age 45. (Consult your provider for personalized recommendations.)
Osteoporosis Screening: DXA scan once after age 65 or if high risk. (Consult your provider.)
Men
Prostate Cancer Screening: Discuss with your provider.
Abdominal Aneurysm Screening: Ultrasound once between ages 65 and 75 if a history of smoking.
Women and Men
Colon Cancer Screening: Preferred method—Colonoscopy every 10 years, beginning at age 50. Other acceptable methods—High-sensitivity Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) every year (and if positive, then colonoscopy) OR (least preferred method) high-sensitivity FOBT every 3 years combined with flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years.
Cholesterol Testing: Beginning at age 20, every 1-5 years.
Diabetes Screening: Beginning at age 45, every 3 years. (Consult your provider.)
Immunizations:
- Substitute Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) one time for adults, then tetanus and diphtheria (Td) booster every 10 years.
- Flu shot every year.
- Zoster (shingles) vaccine once at age 60 or above.
- Pneumococcal (Pneumovax) vaccine at age 65 (earlier if recommended by your provider).