Preventive Care Guidelines
Recommended checkups, screenings, and immunizations
At Quartz, we’re here to support you and your family with helpful resources for your health and well-being.
Staying ahead of your health starts with prevention. Getting screenings, checkups, and vaccines at the right times can catch small issues early, before they become bigger ones. Many recommended preventive services are covered by your plan, making it easier to stay on top of your health.
The checkups, screenings, and immunizations in the tabs below are recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Quartz helps you understand what to expect at every stage so you can stay informed and feel confident in your care decisions.
Connect with your Care Management team
Our Care Management team is here to guide you, connecting you with preventive care and resources when you need them.
Call us at (866) 884-4601 or visit our Care Management page to learn more.
Birth to age 17
Regular checkups, screenings, and immunizations help support children’s growth and development at every age and stage.
The checkups, screenings, and immunizations below are recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Your child’s provider can help determine what is right for your family.
Well-child visits
- Newborn through age 2: Visits at 3–5 days, 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 24, and 30 months.
- Ages 3 to 17: Annual well-child visit.
- All visits include a full physical exam focused on healthy growth, nutrition, safety, and your child’s developmental, mental, and social well-being.
Preventive screenings
- Lead testing: Children should receive a blood lead test at age 1 and again at age 2. All children ages 3 to 5 should receive a test if they have not yet been tested.
- Vision: Check once before age 5.
- Obesity: Beginning at age 6.
- Chlamydia and gonorrhea: Check yearly for sexually active teens through age 24.
- HIV/AIDS: Check at birth and then annually for sexually active teens.
- Lipid panel: Check once between ages 9 and 11.
- Depression: Annual screening recommended for ages 12 and older.
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Routine vaccines (recommended for all children) |
Birth |
1 mo |
2 mo |
4 mo |
6 mo |
12 mo |
18 mo |
2 yr |
4-6 yr |
11-12 yrs |
16 yr |
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Varicella (chickenpox) |
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12-15 |
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• |
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Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Acellular Pertussis (DTaP) |
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• |
• |
• |
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15-18 |
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• |
• |
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Haemophilus influenza type B vaccine (Hib) |
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• |
• |
• |
12-15 |
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Hepatitis A |
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12-23 |
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Hepatitis B |
• |
1-2
months |
1-2
months |
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• |
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Human Papillomavirus (HPV)* |
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Inactivated Poliovirus (IPV) |
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• |
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6-18 |
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• |
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Influenza (flu)** |
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• |
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• |
• |
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Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) |
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12-15 |
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Meningococcal |
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• |
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Pneumococcal (PCV) |
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• |
• |
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12-15 |
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Rotovirus*** |
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• |
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COVID-19**** |
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Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)***** |
• |
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Important notes:
*Human Papillomavirus (HPV): A single dose is now recommended for children aged 11 to 12 (can start as early as age 9). Individuals starting the series between ages 15 to 26 still require three doses.
**Influenza (flu shot): Doctors recommend that your child get a flu vaccine every year in the fall, starting when they are 6 months old. Some children 6 months through age 8 may need two doses for best protection. CDC recommends a flu vaccine by the end of October, before the flu spreads in your community. Getting vaccinated later; however, can still be beneficial, and vaccination should continue to be offered throughout the flu season, even into January or later. Children 6 months through 8 years getting a flu vaccine for the first time, and those who have only previously gotten one dose of the flu vaccine, should get two doses. The first dose should be given as soon as the vaccine becomes available. If your child previously got two doses of the flu vaccine (at any time), your child only needs one dose of flu vaccine this season.
***Rotavirus: Two available rotavirus vaccines: 1) RotaTeq®️ (RV5) is given in three doses at ages 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months; 2) Rotarix®️ (RV1) is given in two doses at ages 2 months and 4 months.
****COVID-19 vaccine: The CDC recommends children 6 months to 17 years get a COVID-19 vaccine each year. The recommended vaccine and number of doses depend on age and vaccination history. Please speak with your provider and visit cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html for more guidance and information.
***** Respiratory Syncytial virus (RSV): Between birth to 19 months the recommendation depends on mother’s RSV vaccine status and on child’s health status. Speak with your provider to learn more.
Ages 18 to 39
Your health needs can change over time, and preventive care helps you stay on track as life, work, and plans shift.
Annual wellness visits
- Routine physical exam, check blood pressure, assess overall health, and screen for healthy weight.
Immunizations
- Influenza (flu): Annual flu vaccine.
- Varicella (chickenpox): A vaccine for adults born 1980 or later.
- HPV (human papillomavirus): Individuals starting the series between ages 15 to 26 require three doses. Adults 27 to 45: Vaccination is not routinely recommended, but talk with your doctor to see whether it is recommended for you.
- MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella): Adults ages 19 to 59 should have at least one dose of the vaccine.
- Tdap/Td (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis/tetanus and diphtheria): Adults under age 65 should receive a tetanus vaccine (Tdap or Td) every 10 years.
- COVID-19 vaccine: An annual COVID-19 vaccine is now recommended for adults ages 18 to 39. Please speak with your provider for more guidance and information.
Preventive screenings
- Cervical cancer: For women aged 21 to 29, a Pap test (cytology) is recommended every 3 years. For women aged 30 to 65, primary hrHPV testing is now preferred and recommended every 5 years.
- Chlamydia and gonorrhea: Annually for all sexually active women younger than age 25.
- Cholesterol: Check every 5 years starting at age 20.
- HIV/AIDS: Check between the ages of 15 and 65.
- Hepatitis C: Recommended annually for adults ages 18 to 79.
- Depression: Annual screening recommended. During pregnancy, recommended during the first trimester, third trimester, and at 6 weeks postpartum.
Ages 40 to 49
In your 40s, preventive care becomes more targeted, with screenings and checkups focused on early detection and long-term health planning. This may include screenings such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes risk, along with continued cancer screenings based on your age and risk factors.
Annual wellness visits
- Annual routine physical exam, check blood pressure, assess overall health, and screen for healthy weight.
Immunizations
- Influenza (flu): Annual flu vaccine.
- MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella): Adults ages 19 to 59 should have at least one dose of the vaccine.
- Tdap/Td (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis/tetanus and diphtheria): Adults under age 65 should receive a tetanus vaccine (Tdap or Td) every 10 years.
- COVID-19 vaccine: An annual COVID-19 vaccine is now recommended for adults ages 40 to 49. Please speak with your provider for more guidance and information.
Preventive screenings
- Cervical cancer: Women ages 30 to 65 should have a Pap test every three years, or high-risk HPV (hrHPV) every five years, or a Pap test with hrHPV screening every five years.
- Breast cancer screening: Talk to your provider about options for breast cancer screening. Decide together when to schedule your first mammogram.
- HIV/AIDS: Check between the ages of 15 and 65.
- Cholesterol: Check every five years.
- Hepatitis C: Recommended annually for adults ages 18 to 79.
- Depression: Annual screening recommended. During pregnancy, recommended during the first trimester, third trimester, and at 6 weeks postpartum.
- Diabetes (Type 2): A1C tests for adults 40 to 70 years who are overweight or obese.
- Colorectal cancer screening: Recommended between the ages of 45 to 75 to get tested regularly. Frequency is best decided by individual risk factors and the doctor’s recommendation.
Ages 50 to 74
After age 50, routine screenings and regular visits become especially important for identifying health concerns early and supporting ongoing wellness. This may include screenings such as colorectal cancer screening, mammograms, bone density tests, and regular checks for blood pressure and cholesterol.
Annual wellness visits
- Annual routine physical exam, check blood pressure, assess overall health, and discuss healthy habits.
Immunizations
- Influenza (flu): Annual flu vaccine.
- MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella): Adults ages 19 to 59 should have at least one dose of the vaccine.
- Tdap/Td (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis/tetanus and diphtheria): Adults under age 65 should receive a tetanus vaccine (Tdap or Td) every 10 years.
- Zoster (shingles): Adults ages 50 and older should receive a two-dose vaccine series.
- Pneumococcal (pneumonia): At least two vaccines, one year apart, beginning at age 65.
- COVID-19 vaccine: An annual COVID-19 vaccine is now recommended for adults 50 to 74. Please speak with your provider for more guidance and information.
- RSV vaccine: Recommended for adults ages 60 to 74 with increased risk. Talk to your provider about whether the RSV vaccine is right for you.
Preventive screenings
- Prostate cancer: Men should talk to their provider about their risk. Regular screening is not recommended for men who have an average risk.
- Cervical cancer: Women ages 30 to 65 should have a Pap test every three years, or high-risk HPV (hrHPV) screening every five years, or a Pap test with hrHPV screening every five years.
- Breast cancer: Mammography is recommended for women every one to two years.
- Osteoporosis screening (DEXA scan): Recommended for women ages 65 and older. Talk to your provider about scheduling a bone density test.
- Bone density: Women should begin checking at age 65.
- Cholesterol: Check every five years.
- Colon cancer: Regular screening is recommended for adults ages 45 to 75.
- HIV/AIDS: Check between the ages of 15 and 65.
- Hepatitis C: Recommended annually for adults ages 18 to 79.
- Lung cancer: For adults ages 50 to 80 who are at high risk for lung cancer because they currently smoke or have quit in the past 15 years.
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm: For men, ages 65 to 75 who have ever smoked. Ask your doctor about getting screened.
- Diabetes (Type 2): A1C tests for adults 40 to 70 years who are overweight or obese.
- Depression: Annual screening recommended.
Quartz Medicare Advantage (HMO) and Dual Eligible members: Visit the Medicare website to see a complete list of covered preventive care and services, such as annual checkups and preventive screenings.
Ages 75+
As you get older, care focuses on staying well, maintaining independence, and supporting quality of life through consistent preventive care.
Annual wellness visits
- Annual routine physical exam, check blood pressure, assess overall health, and discuss healthy habits.
Immunizations
- Influenza (flu): Annual flu vaccine.
- Tdap/Td (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis/tetanus and diphtheria): Adults ages 65 and older may receive a tetanus vaccine (Tdap or Td) every 10 years.
- Zoster (shingles): Adults ages 50 and older should receive a two-dose vaccine series.
- COVID-19 vaccine: An annual COVID-19 vaccine is now recommended for adults ages 75+. Please speak with your provider for more guidance and information.
- RSV vaccine: Recommended for all adults ages 75+. Talk to your provider about the RSV vaccine.
Preventive screenings
- Prostate cancer: Talk to your provider about your risk. Regular screening is not recommended for men who have an average risk.
- Breast cancer: Mammography may no longer be needed for women. Talk to your doctor about what is best for you.
- Colon cancer: Screening for colorectal cancer in adults ages 76 to 85 is an individual decision; consider your overall health and history of prior screening.
- Hepatitis C: Recommended annually for adults ages 18 to 79.
- Lung cancer: For adults ages 50 to 80 at high risk for lung cancer because they’re heavy smokers or have quit in the past 15 years.
- Osteoporosis screening (DEXA scan): Recommended for women ages 65 and older. Talk to your provider about scheduling a bone density test.
- Depression: Annual screening recommended.
Quartz Medicare Advantage (HMO) and Dual Eligible members: Visit the Medicare website to see a complete list of covered preventive care and services, such as annual checkups and preventive screenings.
Additional resources
Healthwise is a health library that offers helpful information on a wide range of health and well-being topics.
Quartz Care Management helps members connect and coordinate care with programs and services to best support their health and wellness journey.
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