Tests & Immunizations
Tests
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) | Every 1 to 3 years starting at age 18 (every year if sexually active) | |
| Breast Self-Exam3 | Every month | |
| Breast Exam by Doctor or Nurse | Every 3 years | |
| Testicular Self-Exam4 (Males) | Every month starting at age 15 | |
| Cholesterol Blood Test5 | Every 5 years (yearly if it is high) | |
| Regular Dental Checkup | Every 6 months or at least every year | |
1. After initial screening, follow your health care provider’s advice for how often to have re-screenings.
2. Pap tests should start at age 18 or under age 18 if sexual activity has begun. They should be given at least every 1 to 3 years (every year if sexually active) or as often as your health care provider advises.
3. See “Breast Self-Exam”. {Note: Though rare, men can get breast cancer, too, and should look for and report a breast lump or other change to their health care provider.}
4. See “Testicular Self-Exam” .
5. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) should be part of the initial cholesterol testing.
Immunizations
This chart shows vaccines to get between ages 11 and 24, provided routine vaccines, including prior doses of these and others, such as H. influenzae type b and polio 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 1-800-232-2522 (English) or 1-800-232-0233 (Spanish) or at the www.cdc.gov/nip web site.
| Vaccine | Recommendation |
| 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) | Children who have not had chicken pox or the Var vaccine before age 11 should get one dose of the Var vaccine at 11 to 12 years of age. Children 13 years of age or older should get 2 doses at least 1 month apart. |
| 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 1-877-394-8747 or at the www.cdc.gov/travel website. 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 vaccinations.