General Guidelines

The following are some general guidelines for tests and immunizations for women. Please note that if abnormal results occur, the tests may need to be given more frequently. You should consult with your doctor first. 

Standard Tests and Immunizations for Women Ages 13-19

Tests/Immunizations	Description	When
Test Pap Test (with annual pelvic exam	A sample of cells from the cervix to look for changes that may lead to cancer	Yearly when sexually active, or at age 18
Self Breast Exam		At age 18, monthly
Immunization Tetanus-diptheria booster	A shot to immunize against tetanus and diptheria	Once between ages 14-18

 
Standard Tests and Immunizations for Women Ages 19-39

Tests/Immunizations	Description	When
Test Pap Test (with annual pelvic exam)	A sample of cells from the cervix to look for changes that may lead to cancer	Yearly
Self Breast Exam		At age 18, monthly
Cholesterol	A blood test that checks levels of cholesterol, which helps to carry fat through the blood vessels. Levels that are too high can lead to hardening of the arteries.	Every 5 years
Screening Mammography		Between 35-40
Immunization Tetanus-diptheria booster	A shot to immunize against tetanus and diptheria.	Every ten years

Standard Tests and Immunizations for Women Ages 40-64

Tests/Immunizations	Description	When
Test Pap Test (with annual pelvic exam)	A sample of cells from the cervix to look for changes that may lead to cancer	Yearly
Cholesterol	A blood test that checks levels of cholesterol, which helps to carry fat through the blood vessels. Levels that are too high can lead to hardening of the arteries.	Every 5 years
Mammography	An x-ray of the breast to look for breast cancer.	Yearly
Fecal Occult Blood Test	A test of a stool sample for blood, which could be a sign of cancer of the colon or rectum.	Yearly
Sigmoidoscopy	A scope placed into the rectum and colon to look for colon cancer.	Every 3-5 years after the age of 50
Immunization Tetanus-diptheria booster	A shot to immunize against tetanus and diptheria.	Every ten years
Influenza Vaccine	A shot to immunize against the flu.	Yearly, beginning at age 50

Standard Tests and Immunizations for Women ages 65 and Older

Tests/Immunizations	Description	When
Pap Test (with annual pelvic exam)	A sample of cells from the cervix to look for changes that may lead to cancer	Yearly
Cholesterol	A blood test that checks levels of cholesterol, which helps to carry fat through the blood vessels. Levels that are too high can lead to hardening of the arteries.	Every 5 years
Mammography	An x-ray of the breast to look for breast cancer.	Yearly
Fecal Occult Blood Test	A test of a stool sample for blood, which could be a sign of cancer of the colon or rectum.	Yearly
Sigmoidoscopy	A scope placed into the rectum and colon to look for colon cancer.	Every 3-5 years after the age of 50
Urinalysis	A test to look for chemical changes in the urine.	Yearly
Immunization Tetanus-diptheria booster	A shot to immunize against tetanus and diptheria.	Every ten years
Influenza Vaccine	A shot to immunize against the flu.	Yearly
Pneumonococal Vaccine	A shot to immunize againts pneumonia.	Once