My Preventative Care Checklist
This checklist includes some of the most important health screenings for people age 65 and older. If you’re under 65, please ask your doctor when you should have them done.
EXAMS AND SCREENINGS
| TYPE OF CARE | RECOMMENDED FREQUENCY | WHEN/WHERE COMPLETED |
|---|---|---|
| Annual physical exam or wellness visit | Every year with your doctor. | |
| Bone density test | Once after age 65, or as recommended by your doctor, AND within six months of breaking a bone. | |
| Breast cancer screening | Mammogram every two years for women age 55 to 74 with average risk; as recommended by doctor if age 75 or older. | |
| Colorectal cancer screening | Every year with a stool test, OR every three years with a DNA stool test, OR every 10 years with a colonoscopy. | |
| Medication review with a doctor or pharmacist | Every year with your doctor. |
IMMUNIZATIONS
| TYPE OF VACCINE | RECOMMENDED FREQUENCY | WHEN/WHERE COMPLETED |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 for protection against COVID-19 and its variants | Depending on the vaccine maker, you will need either one shot (J&J/Janssen) or two shots (Moderna or Pfizer) to be fully vaccinated. | |
| COVID-19 Booster Shot for added protection against COVID-19 and its variants
Note: This information was current as of Jan. 2022. Please follow any updated guidelines on booster shots. |
Any of the COVID-19 vaccines authorized in the U.S. can be used for the booster shot, regardless of which shot you had originally.
-- If you had the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines: Have a booster at least five months after completing your vaccination series. --If you had the J&J vaccine: Have a booster at least two months after receiving your shot. |
|
| Influenza for protection from seasonal flu | One shot every season. | |
| Pneumococcal for protection against pneumonia | Pneumococcal for protection against pneumonia Two vaccines available after age 65; talk to your doctor about options and timing. | |
| Herpes Zoster for protection against shingles | There are two types of this vaccine; ask your doctor which is best for you. | |
| Tdap or Td for protection against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis | One booster shot every 10 years if you’ve already had a Tdap shot when you were younger. If you never had a Tdap shot, you’ll need to get one first. |
DISCUSSIONS WITH YOUR DOCTOR
| TOPIC | WHEN TO DISCUSS | ASK ABOUT |
|---|---|---|
| Fall prevention | If you’re unsteady on your feet, dizzy or have had a fall. | Exercises, home safety, medications and walking aids. |
| Mental health | If you’re feeling down, depressed or anxious. | Referrals to mental health specialists, support groups and other things you can do to feel better. |
| Pain management | If pain is interfering in your life or you have a new pain. | A pain screening to find the cause of your pain and ways to manage it. |
| Leaky bladder | If you’ve accidentally leaked urine in the past six months. | Products, tips or exercises to help; a medication review to see if any drugs you take are causing this issue. |
| Weight management | If you need help losing weight or have lost weight without trying. | What you can do to get to or stay at a healthy weight. |
Tools to Help You Manage Your Care
Health Check Record: An interactive record of your care for 2022 based on your records. Find it in your SCAN member account—sign up here: scanhealthplan.com/register.
Abridge: Use this app to record conversations with your doctor so you can refer to them later. Learn more at scanhealthplan.com/extras.
Note: If you have a chronic condition, like diabetes, ask your doctor if there are additional screenings you need.
