Guide

What to do, by age.

A quick reference for each decade. For a version tailored to your specific risk factors, build your checklist.

0–5
Priorities
  • Well-child visits on the routine schedule (1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 24 months, then yearly)
  • Full childhood immunization schedule + yearly flu / updated COVID
  • Newborn hearing + vision & hearing at every visit
  • Blood lead level at 12 and 24 months (US) or with risk factors
  • Developmental screens at 9, 18, 30 months; autism screen at 18 and 24 months
  • First dental visit by age 1
6–12
Priorities
  • Yearly well-child visit β€” growth, blood pressure from age 3, mental health
  • Vision, hearing, and dental every 6–12 months
  • Catch-up immunizations; HPV series can start as early as 9
  • Scoliosis screen once in later childhood
  • Talk about sleep, screen time, and physical activity
13–17
Priorities
  • Yearly teen well visit with confidential HEEADSSS conversation
  • HPV series (2 doses if started before 15, 3 if after)
  • MenACWY at 11–12 and booster at 16; MenB shared decision at 16–18
  • Depression & anxiety screening (PHQ-A / GAD-7) at every visit
  • Confidential contraception, STI testing, and emergency-contraception access
  • Sports / pre-participation physicals as needed
18–29
Priorities
  • Baseline CBC, CMP, lipids, TSH, vitamin D
  • Blood pressure at every visit
  • STI/HIV screening if sexually active β€” include throat/rectal swabs where relevant
  • Cervical screening every 3 years from 21 if you have a cervix
  • HPV vaccine catch-up through 26 (all genders)
  • PrEP conversation if at risk for HIV
  • Mental health check-in yearly
30–39
Priorities
  • Repeat lipid panel; add A1c if overweight or family history
  • HPV testing every 5 years if you have a cervix
  • Skin check if fair-skinned or high sun exposure
  • Tdap booster if 10 years since last
  • One-time Hepatitis C test if never done
  • Anal Pap conversation if HIV+ or history of receptive anal sex
40–49
Priorities
  • Annual blood pressure and lipids
  • A1c every 3 years
  • Baseline ECG
  • Mammogram every 1–2 years if you have breast tissue (includes trans women on estrogen 5+ years)
  • Colorectal screening at 45
  • Discuss PSA at 45 if you have a prostate and are Black or have family history
50–64
Priorities
  • Colonoscopy or yearly FIT
  • Shingrix vaccine (2 doses)
  • Discuss PSA if you have a prostate
  • Low-dose CT lung screen if smoking history
  • Hearing baseline at 50
  • Atrial fibrillation check
65–74
Priorities
  • Pneumococcal vaccine; annual high-dose flu; updated COVID
  • RSV vaccine (60–74 with risk factors, everyone at 75)
  • One-time AAA ultrasound if you've ever smoked
  • Bone density (DEXA) β€” earlier if long-term HRT
  • Baseline cognitive screen; yearly fall-risk assessment
  • Medication review β€” flag Beers-list drugs
  • Continue colon and mammogram screening through 74–75
75+
Priorities
  • RSV vaccine (once)
  • Yearly fall-risk assessment; strength & balance work
  • Deprescribing review at every visit
  • Advance care planning + substitute decision-maker on file
  • Track weight, nutrition, and grip strength (sarcopenia prevention)
  • Ongoing cognitive screening; hearing every 1–2 years
Not medical advice. This site is an educational reference to help you have better conversations at a walk-in clinic. It does not replace a clinician who knows your history. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.