19 to 39 years

When we're young and healthy, it's easy to forget to get routine physicals, screenings and immunizations.  But preventive care is less expensive (in time and money!) than being sick. Make them a priority.

Jump down to:
Clinical screenings
Immunizations

Health Care Services	When	Description
Physical exam	Ages 19 to 21: Every two to three years Ages 22 to 39: Every two years	A complete physical exam is important for staying healthy.
Health guidance	Ages 19 to 21: One visit yearly	Health counseling is done by the doctor on conflict resolution, injury protection, alcohol misuse, substance abuse, drinking and driving, birth control, sexually transmitted infections/HIV, tobacco use, exercise, breast self-exams and family and intimate partner violence.
Clinical Screenings	When	Description
Depression screening	During physical exam.
Tobacco use	During each visit
Alcohol misuse	During each visit
Chlamydia screening and gonorrhea screening	Routinely for all sexually active women ages 25 and younger
HIV screening	If you are at high risk
Cervical cancer screening (women)	Within three years of beginning sexual activity or at age 21, whichever is first. Annual screening up to age 30. Screening every two to three years for ages 30 and older.	A Pap test can detect cancer early. If you have a family history of cancer, your doctor may suggest that you have this test more often.
Height, weight, BMI and blood pressure	During physical exam	These checks help you and your doctor know if you're maintaining good health.
Lipoprotein screening	For adults ages 20 and older, a fasting lipoprotein profile (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides) every five years	High cholesterol is the leading cause of heart disease.
Hemoglobin and hematocrit	Once every two years	This test checks the red blood cells and iron in the blood.
Tuberculin skin test	If you are at high risk	TB affects the lungs. It is spread through the air by coughing, sneezing or saliva. TB may lead to pneumonia or other breathing problems.
Immunizations	When	Description
Td Tetanus, diphtheria vaccine	Every ten years or one dose of Tdap if pertussis booster was not received previously	Tetanus causes painful spasms and may lock the jaw. Shots are needed every 10 years. If you step on a rusty nail or cut yourself, you may need another shot.
MMR Measles, mumps and rubella vaccine	Ask your doctor what is best for you	Measles causes a rash, cough, runny nose and fever or pneumonia. Mumps causes fever, headache and swollen glands. It may lead to deafness or sterility. Rubella (or German measles) causes a rash and fever, and may cause arthritis and some birth defects.
Hep B Hepatitis B vaccine	If you are at high risk Ask your doctor what is best for you	Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver. Treatments are available, but there is no cure.
Var Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine	Two-dose series for susceptible individuals Varicella antibody testing is recommended before vaccine given	Chickenpox causes a rash, itching, fever and scarring. It may lead to shingles (a painful rash) years later.
Flu Influenza vaccine	If you are at high risk	Flu causes fever, cough, headache and muscle aches.
Pneumonia Pneumococcal vaccine	If you are at high risk	Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes cough, fever and shortness of breath.