Start the New Year With the Appointments That Matter Most
A new year is the perfect time to reset your health goals and make sure you’re up to date on important medical screenings and vaccinations. Staying proactive not only helps detect conditions early — when they’re often more treatable — but also gives you peace of mind as you move into the year ahead.
Below is a comprehensive, age-based guide to the most important screenings and vaccines for every stage of life, plus the key appointments to prioritize at the start of the new year.
Children & Teens (Ages 0–17)
Recommended Screenings
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Well-child visits (annually or as advised)
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Vision and hearing screenings
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Growth and developmental milestones
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Mental and behavioral health check-ins
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Sports physicals (if participating in athletics)
Vaccines
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Routine childhood immunizations (per CDC schedule)
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HPV vaccine (typically ages 11–12; earlier or later when recommended)
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Flu vaccine (yearly)
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COVID-19 vaccine (if recommended for age group)
January Appointment Reminder
✓ Schedule annual physicals and update school or sports forms early in the year.
Young Adults (Ages 18–39)
Recommended Screenings
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Annual physical exam
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Blood pressure screening
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Cholesterol screening (starting age 20)
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Mental health screening
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Skin checks for concerning moles
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Pap smear every 3 years, or HPV + Pap every 5 years (ages 21–29)
Vaccines
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Flu vaccine
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Tdap (once, then Td booster every 10 years)
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HPV vaccine (if not completed earlier)
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COVID-19 vaccine (per current guidelines)
January Appointment Reminder
✓ Start the year with routine bloodwork, and schedule your annual visit to stay ahead of your health goals.
Adults (Ages 40–64)
Recommended Screenings
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Annual physical exam
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Cholesterol and blood pressure (every 1–2 years or as advised)
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Mammogram for women starting at age 40
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Colorectal cancer screening starting at age 45
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Diabetes screening (especially with risk factors)
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Skin cancer exam
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Eye exam every 1–2 years
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Bone density screening (post-menopause or as recommended)
Vaccines
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Flu vaccine
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Tdap/Td booster
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Shingles (Shingrix) for adults 50+
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Pneumococcal vaccine (if at-risk or recommended)
January Appointment Reminder
✓ If you're turning 40 or 45 this year, schedule milestone screenings like mammograms or colonoscopies early.
Adults 65+
Recommended Screenings
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Annual wellness visit
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Blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes screening
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Mammogram or prostate screening (as advised by your doctor)
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Colorectal cancer screening (continue until age 75)
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Osteoporosis/bone density testing
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Hearing and vision checks
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Cognitive screening if needed
Vaccines
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Flu vaccine (high-dose or standard, per provider recommendation)
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Shingles vaccine (if not already received)
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Pneumonia vaccine
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COVID-19 vaccine (per guidelines)
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Tdap/Td booster every 10 years
January Appointment Reminder
✓ Start the year with your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit to stay on top of preventive care.
Why January Is the Best Time to Schedule Your Screenings
Beginning the year with preventive appointments helps you:
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Detect health issues early
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Stay accountable to annual checkups
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Avoid appointment backlogs later in the year
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Reset healthy habits with updated lab work and guidance
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Prepare for any health needs related to aging or chronic conditions
If you’re unsure which screenings you need, a primary care provider at Thorek Memorial Hospital can help create a personalized care plan based on your age, health history, and risk factors.
Take Charge of Your Health This Year
Make 2026 your healthiest year yet by getting ahead on checkups, screenings, and vaccines. Our team at Thorek Memorial Hospital is here to support you at every stage of life.
📞 Call us at 773-975-6775 to schedule your appointments.
💻 Request an appointment online.