Are You Up-To-Date?

Older Americans can stay healthy by keeping up to date with their immunization.

We’re not talking about owning the latest smart phone or knowing the words to a popular song. We’re talking about preventive services (like regular check-ups) and diagnostic tests (like a blood test) that can keep you feeling your best as you get older.

Specifically, the U.S. Task Force for Community Preventive Services has recommended that older adults (aged 65 years and up) get:

• a flu shot every year,
• a one-time vaccine that provides lifetime protection from pneumonia,
• a screening for colon cancer either by a fecal occult blood test 1 every year or a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy every 10 years,
• for women, a mammogram every 2 years.

Together, these preventive services are referred to as being Up-To-Date .

Research has shown that even among older adults who see their doctor on a regular basis, these important preventive services and diagnostic tests may be overlooked because of more urgent issues. To help you get these services when you need them, we are providing you with a reminder card to record your tests and immunizations. Keep this with you as a reminder to get Up-to-Date and stay Up-to-Date !