Health Checkups
Preventive screenings and regular exams catch issues early when they are most treatable. Stay on top of recommended tests for your age and health status.
If you are helping someone age well
Help prepare a written symptom list and full medication list before appointments. Ask about hearing tests, fall risk, and cognitive screening — these are often overlooked but critical for adults 65+.
Why this matters after 50
Why Preventive Care Matters
Catch Problems Early
Many diseases have no early symptoms. Screening tests can find them before you feel sick.
Save Money
Treating a disease early is usually much cheaper than treating it after it becomes serious.
Peace of Mind
Knowing your health status helps you feel more in control and less worried about the unknown.
Check Which Screenings You Need
Tap each one to mark it and learn more. Talk to your doctor about what is right for you.
Vaccines for Adults 50+
Shingles and pneumococcal vaccines are top priorities for this age group. Tap each entry to learn more.
Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Vaccine
Priority for adults 50+Who should get it: All adults 50 years and older
Why it matters: Shingles causes a painful rash and can lead to long-lasting nerve pain. Risk rises sharply after 50. Shingrix is over 90% effective.
When to get it
Two doses, 2–6 months apart. Get it even if you had shingles before.
Possible side effects
Sore arm, tiredness, muscle pain, or headache for 2–3 days.
Good to know: One of the most important vaccines for adults over 50.
Pneumococcal Vaccine
Priority for adults 50+Who should get it: All adults 65 and older; younger adults with certain health conditions
Why it matters: Protects against pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections — all more dangerous with age.
When to get it
Talk to your doctor about PCV20 or PPSV23 based on your age and health history.
Possible side effects
Sore arm, mild fever, or tiredness.
Good to know: Your doctor will recommend the right type and schedule.
Influenza (Flu) Vaccine
Who should get it: Everyone 6 months and older, every year — especially adults 65+
Why it matters: Flu can cause severe illness and hospitalization in older adults. The virus changes yearly, so annual vaccination is needed.
When to get it
Get it in the fall before flu season. Protection builds in about 2 weeks.
Possible side effects
Sore arm, mild fever, or tiredness for 1–2 days.
Good to know: High-dose flu vaccines are available specifically for adults 65+.
RSV Vaccine
Who should get it: Adults 60+ (or 75+ per some guidelines) — ask your doctor
Why it matters: RSV causes serious respiratory illness in older adults. New vaccines help prevent severe disease.
When to get it
Single dose. Ask your doctor if it is right for you based on current guidance.
Possible side effects
Sore arm, fatigue, headache, or muscle aches.
Good to know: Recommendations may vary — your doctor knows the latest guidance for your situation.
Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap/Td)
Who should get it: Tdap once as an adult, then Td or Tdap booster every 10 years
Why it matters: Tetanus enters through cuts. Pertussis (whooping cough) is dangerous for babies and still occurs in adults.
When to get it
Get Tdap once, then a booster every 10 years.
Possible side effects
Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site.
Good to know: A deep or dirty wound may need a booster sooner than 10 years.
COVID-19 Vaccine
Who should get it: Follow current local guidance for your age and health status
Why it matters: COVID-19 can cause severe illness in older adults. Staying up to date reduces hospitalization risk.
When to get it
Check current CDC or local health authority guidance (May 2026). Recommendations change as variants evolve.
Possible side effects
Sore arm, tiredness, or mild fever for 1–3 days.
Good to know: This section is kept minimal because guidance updates frequently. Ask your doctor or pharmacist what is recommended for you today.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
Who should get it: Adults 19–59; adults 60+ if at risk
Why it matters: Hepatitis B can cause chronic liver disease and liver cancer. Many people do not know they have it.
When to get it
Usually 2–3 doses over several months.
Possible side effects
Sore arm or mild fever.
Good to know: A blood test can check if you are already immune.
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Vaccine
Who should get it: Primarily recommended through age 26; adults 27–45 may discuss with doctor
Why it matters: HPV causes cervical and other cancers. Most benefit comes from vaccination before exposure, typically in younger years.
When to get it
2 or 3 doses depending on age when started.
Possible side effects
Sore arm, dizziness, or headache.
Good to know: For adults 50+, Shingles and Pneumococcal vaccines are usually higher priority. Discuss HPV with your doctor if you have specific risk factors.
How to Get the Most From a Doctor Visit
Write down your symptoms before you go. Include when they started and what makes them better or worse.
Bring a list of all medications you take, including vitamins and supplements.
Write down your questions so you do not forget to ask them.
Be honest about your diet, exercise, sleep, and habits. Your doctor is there to help, not judge.
Take notes during the visit or bring someone with you to help remember what the doctor said.
Ask your doctor to explain anything you do not understand. It is their job to make sure you know what is going on.