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Tests & Immunizations
The following tests are recommended for persons between the ages of 11 and 24. If you have an increased risk for certain conditions, testing may need to be done sooner or more often. Additional tests may also need to be done. Follow your health care provider’s advice.
| Health Test |
Ages 11-20 |
Ages 20-24 |
| Height & Weight |
Every year or as advised by health care provider |
| Blood Pressure |
During office visits |
During office visits or at least every 2 years |
| Chlamydia Screening1 |
All sexually active females ages 25 and younger |
| Pap Test2 (Females) |
At least every 3 years starting at the onset of sexual activity or age 21 (whichever comes first) |
| Breast Self-Exam2 |
|
Discuss with health care provider |
| Breast Exam by Doctor or Nurse |
|
Every 3 years |
| Testicular Self-Exam3 (Males) |
Starting at age 15, discuss with health care provider |
| Cholesterol Blood Test4 |
|
Every 5 years (or as advised) |
| Regular Dental Checkup |
Every 6 months or at least every year |
- Screening is also recommended for females older than age 25 who: Have more than one sexual partner; have had an STD in the past; or who do not use condoms consistently and correctly. After initial screening, follow your health care provider’s advice for how often to have re-screenings.
- See “Breast Self-Exam”. {Note: Though rare, males can get breast cancer, too, and should look for and report a breast lump or other change to their health care provider.}
- See “Testicular Self-Exam”.
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL) should be part of the initial cholesterol testing.
This chart shows vaccines to get between ages 11 and 24, provided recommended childhood vaccines have already been given. Guidelines may change from year to year. Find out what vaccines you need from your health care provider or your local health department. Get information from the CDC National Immunization Hotline at 800.232.2522 (English) or 800.232.0233 (Spanish) or at the www.cdc.gov/nip Web site. For information on smallpox, contact 888.246.2675 (English); 888.246.2857 (Spanish); or www.bt.cdc.gov.
| Vaccine |
Recommendation |
| Influenza (Flu Shot) |
Ask your health care provider if you should get an annual flu shot. Students who live in dormitories are encouraged to get one each flu season. |
| Tetanus/Diphtheria (Td) |
A Td booster should be given between the ages of 11 and 16. After that, a Td booster should be given every 10 years. |
| Hepatitis B |
A 3rd dose of Hepatitis B should be given at 11 to 12 years. A 3-dose series should be given to children, teenagers, and high risk adults who have not had 3 doses of the vaccine. |
| Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) |
The 2nd dose of MMR should be given no later than 11 to 12 years of age. |
| Varicella (Var) |
Persons who have not had chicken pox or the Var vaccine may need 1 or 2 doses of it. Consult your health care provider. |
| Hepatitis A |
Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended in selected states and/or regions. Consult your local health department. |
| Meningitis |
A vaccine for meningitis may be required for incoming college freshmen and recommended for other college students and high school students. |
Also, before you travel to other countries, find out if you need certain vaccines. Get information from the CDC Travelers’ Information Line at 877.394.8747 or at the www.cdc.gov/travel Web site. Discuss your needs with your health care provider. Do this several months before you plan on traveling to other countries to allow enough time to get required immunizations. |
