Annual Health & Wellness Screenings

Preventive Health Screenings You May Need

We all want to enjoy good health. One of the best ways to do this is to participate in preventive care, such as check-ups, vaccinations and disease screenings at different ages.

The first step in preventive care is a yearly well care appointment. Regular check-ups can give you confidence that your health is the best it can be. They can also prompt you to ask about any changes in your body.

When you see your primary care provider (PCP) for preventive care, it’s often covered by your health insurance. But if you discuss new symptoms, want to address symptoms from chronic conditions, or your PCP notices something requiring screening, you may have to pay some of the costs.

While your primary care physician will work with you to decide when preventive care should be done, based on your medical history and risk factors, below are general recommendations by UCLA Health physicians and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force

Be sure to check with your insurance provider before your annual physical to see which preventive lab tests, procedures and vaccinations are covered. If any preventive services are completed outside of UCLA Health, please let your primary care office know.

Vaccines

COVID-19 vaccine icon

COVID-19 Vaccine

Age to administer: 6 months - 80+
Frequency: Updated COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of any previous COVID-19 vaccinations. Learn more about this vaccine.


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Flu Vaccine

Age to administer: 6 months - 80+
Frequency: Everyone 6 months and older should receive an annual flu vaccine.
Learn more about this vaccine.


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HPV Vaccine

Age to administer: 11 - 26
Frequency: Two doses are recommended for people 11 to 15 years old and three doses for people 15 to 26. People 27 through 45 should discuss with doctor. 
Learn more about this vaccine.


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Shingles Vaccine

Age to administer: 50 - 80+
Frequency: Shingrix should be given in two doses, 2 to 6 months apart, even if the patient already received Zostavax or has previously had shingles. 


Cancer Screenings


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Cervical Cancer Screening

Age to administer: 21 - 65
Frequency: Women should be screened every 3 years from 21 to 29 years old, and every 5 years from 30 to 65.


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Breast Cancer Screening

Age to administer: 40 - 75
Frequency: Women should have their first mammogram between 40 and 50, repeated every 1 to 2 years until 75. Learn more about this screening
Breast cancer awareness information (PDF) | About 3-D mammography (PDF)


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Colorectal Cancer Screening

Age to administer: 45 - 75
Frequency: Routine screening with colonoscopy should be repeated every 10 years; stool screenings should be performed annually. More frequent screening is indicated based on personal or family history. Learn more about this screening.


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Prostate Cancer Screening

Age to administer: 50 - 69
Frequency: Screening options include a physical exam and PSA blood test. Frequency determined between patient and physician based on patient’s personal risk.
Learn more about this screening.


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Lung Cancer Screening

Age to administer: 50 - 80
Frequency: Anyone who has smoked the equivalent of one pack a day for 20 years should have an annual chest CT scan based on their current age and when they most recently smoked. Learn more about this screening.


Disease Screenings


Hepatitis C screening icon

Hepatitis B and C Screening

Age to administer: 18 - 79
Frequency: Hepatitis B screening is recommended for adolescents and adults at increased risk for infection. Adults age 18 to 79 should have a one-time blood test for Hepatitis C. Learn more about hepatits B


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STI and HIV Screening

Age to administer: 15 - 65
Frequency: Regular testing for sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, is based on sexual activity and other risk factors. 


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Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes Screening

Age to administer: 35 - 75
Frequency: Patients 35 to 75 who are overweight or obese should be regularly screened by measuring their Hemoglobin A1c or fasting plasma glucose level, or with an oral glucose tolerance test. Learn more about diabetes.


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Osteoporosis Screening

Age to administer: 65 - 80+
Frequency: Women should have their first DEXA bone scan at 65, repeated as determined by their physician. 


Abdominal Aortic Aneurism Screening

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening

Age to administer: 65 - 75
Frequency: Men between 65 and 75 years old who have ever smoked should have a
one-time screening. Learn more about abdominal aortic aneurysms.