Find some problems before symptoms
Screening looks for a condition before you have symptoms. Some tests can identify problems when treatment is more useful. A new symptom needs assessment even if your last screening was normal.
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Bring your medicine list and any screening or vaccine records. Bring someone you trust if you would find that helpful.
Compare your options before deciding
- What benefit could I expect, and how much does it matter to me?
- What harms, side effects, or follow-up tests are possible?
- How do cost, time, and preparation compare?
- What happens if I wait or choose another option?
Vaccines: check the U.S. guidance
The guidance below is from the U.S. CDC. Other countries may use different schedules. Check with a healthcare professional where you live.
Pneumococcal vaccination
CDC recommends PCV15, PCV20, or PCV21 for adults 50 or older who have never received a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, or whose history is unknown. Your next step depends on vaccines you have already received.
PCV15 may need to be followed by PPSV23. PCV20 or PCV21 does not require a follow-up PPSV23 dose. Review your history and health conditions with your clinician.
Read the current CDC recommendations (new tab)How do I check other vaccines?
Ask about flu, COVID-19, shingles, RSV, and other vaccines. Recommendations depend on your age, conditions, previous doses, and current guidance.
CDC adult vaccination guidance (new tab)Find out which screenings fit you
Screenings do not follow one schedule for everyone. Ask about blood pressure, cancer screening, bone health, hearing, or vision. Your age, health history, previous results, and preferences all matter.
Explore screening decision resources (new tab)A small place to start
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The details behind everyday choices
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Why preventive care matters
Understand the tradeoffs
Tests can also lead to false alarms, missed problems, follow-up procedures, costs, or treatment you may not need. Ask what a result would change for you. Preventive care should fit your goals, health history, and preferences.
Eight screening and checkup topics
Use this U.S. guidance to prepare questions, not to book every test every year. Your country’s guidance may differ. Symptoms, previous results, family history, medicines, and your priorities affect what is appropriate.
Blood pressure
High blood pressure often has no symptoms. USPSTF suggests annual screening from age 40 or with increased risk. An elevated office reading usually needs confirmation outside the clinic before starting treatment. Ask which measurement method and follow-up plan fit you.
Cholesterol
A blood test measures fats in your blood. The timing depends on your cardiovascular risk, past results, and treatment. The often-quoted 4–6-year interval for healthy adults is not a universal schedule for older adults or people taking cholesterol medicines.
Dental care
Dental visits can address gum disease, tooth decay, dentures, and dry mouth. Ask your dentist how often to attend; six months is not the right interval for everyone. Mention new medicines or difficulty eating.
Vision
An eye professional can advise on glasses and conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration. Timing depends on eye health, diabetes, and previous findings. Sudden loss of vision needs urgent care rather than a routine appointment.
Hearing
Difficulty following conversation, needing louder television, or withdrawing from groups are reasons to ask about hearing. USPSTF finds insufficient evidence to recommend for or against routine screening in older adults without symptoms; it does not mean hearing concerns should be ignored.
Bone density (DXA)
USPSTF recommends screening women 65+ and younger postmenopausal women at increased risk. For men, evidence is insufficient for a universal screening recommendation. Fractures, steroid medicines, and other risk factors can warrant an individual assessment.
Colorectal cancer
For average-risk adults, USPSTF recommends screening ages 45–75; ages 76–85 are an individual decision. Stool tests and colonoscopy have different preparation, intervals, and risks. A positive stool test needs follow-up colonoscopy. Ask which approach you can complete and what follow-up would involve.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)
A one-time ultrasound is recommended by USPSTF for men ages 65–75 who have ever smoked. Other groups need a different discussion based on sex, smoking, and family history. This is not an annual scan for everyone.
Read the sources
Vaccines: what, why, and when to ask
U.S. guidance checked September 14, 2026. Bring your vaccine record: previous doses, allergies, immune conditions, and the vaccine product affect your next step. Local schedules can differ. A sore arm or tiredness can occur after vaccination; ask about product-specific side effects and seek emergency help for trouble breathing or swelling of the face or throat.
Shingles
Shingles can cause a painful rash and lasting nerve pain. CDC recommends two Shingrix doses, usually 2–6 months apart, for adults 50+, including those who have had shingles. Some immunocompromised adults qualify from age 19. Sore arm, fatigue, headache, and muscle aches can occur for a few days.
Pneumococcal
These vaccines protect against disease caused by pneumococcal bacteria, including some pneumonia and invasive infections. Adults 50+ who have not had a conjugate vaccine, or have unknown history, can receive PCV15, PCV20, or PCV21. PCV15 is generally followed by PPSV23; PCV20 or PCV21 does not need PPSV23. Prior doses and medical conditions change the schedule.
Influenza (flu)
Annual vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months and older. For adults 65+, CDC preferentially recommends a high-dose, recombinant, or adjuvanted flu vaccine when available. Ask about timing for your local flu season; mild soreness, fever, or aches may occur.
RSV
RSV can cause severe respiratory illness. CDC recommends one dose for all adults 75+ and adults 50–74 at increased risk. It is not currently an annual vaccine, and a repeat dose is not recommended after a previous RSV vaccination. Discuss your risk and the potential benefits and harms.
Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap/Td)
After a completed primary series, adults who have never received Tdap should receive one dose, followed by Td or Tdap boosters every 10 years. A dirty or major wound may require an earlier booster. If your vaccination history is incomplete, ask about a catch-up series.
COVID-19
Older age increases the risk of severe illness. Products, timing, and dose recommendations change. Review the current guidance with a clinician or pharmacist, including prior doses, immune status, and your preferences. Temporary soreness, fever, or tiredness can occur.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B can lead to chronic liver disease and liver cancer. CDC recommends vaccination for adults 19–59 and adults 60+ with risk factors; adults 60+ without known risks may also receive it. The number and spacing of doses depend on the product and health conditions.
HPV: mainly a younger-adult vaccine
HPV vaccination prevents new infections that can cause several cancers; it does not treat an existing infection. Catch-up vaccination is recommended through age 26; some adults 27–45 decide with their clinician. It is not routinely recommended or licensed in the U.S. for adults over 45.
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Follow the sources
Guide updated: September 14, 2026
- CDC: pneumococcal vaccine recommendations (opens in a new tab)
- USPSTF: patient and clinician resources (opens in a new tab)
- AHRQ: shared decision-making (opens in a new tab)
An educational guide, not an individual diagnosis or treatment plan. Discuss choices with your healthcare team. Source organizations do not endorse this site.