Facts on File Encyclopedia of Health and Medicine

immunizations later than recommended. Timing
and doses for each vaccine are crucial for the
body’s process of developing immunity. Nearly all
children should receive all recommended immu-
nizations; public schools throughout the United
States require certain immunizations for school
registration unless there are extenuating circum-
stances. Such factors vary among states.

Preventive Health Care for Adults

Preventive health-care examinations for adults

vary according to gender and age. Adults also

require certain immunizations. Most adults should

receive a tetanus-diphtheria booster every 10

years, hepatitis B vaccine if not immunized in

childhood, and influenza vaccination (flu shot)

and every year.

Immunization and Routine Examination Schedules 423

PREVENTIVE HEALTH EXAMINATION RECOMMENDATIONS: ADULTS

Age Well Exam Frequency Exam Includes
19 to 39 men: every 5 years health risk screening: cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, sexually transmitted
women: every 3 years diseases (STDs)
height/weight
vital signs
men: testicular exam
women: breast exam, pelvic exam, Pap test

40 to 49 men: every 5 years health risk screening: cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, STDs, heart disease,
women: every 3 years cancer
height/weight
vital signs
fecal occult blood test (FOBT)
men: testicular exam, baseline prostate exam
women: breast exam, pelvic exam, Pap test, baseline mammogram

50 to 64 men: every 3 to 5 years health risk screening: cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, STDs, heart disease,
women: every 2 to 3 years cancer, thyroid
height/weight
vital signs
FOBT
baseline colonoscopy, repeat every 10 years
men: testicular exam, prostate exam
women: breast exam, pelvic exam, Pap test
annual mammogram

65 and older men and women: health risk screening: cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, STDs, heart disease,
every year cancer, thyroid
height/weight
vital signs
FOBT
colonoscopy every 10 years
men: prostate exam
women: breast exam, pelvic exam, mammogram