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Pediatric Associates
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KNOWLEDGE CENTER

Young Adult Well Visits: Supporting the Transition to Adult Care

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Well visit services

Well visits are just as important for young adults as they are for children. Learn the many reasons why young adults should prioritize well visits as they age.

Vaccines for young adults

Seasonal immunizations for young adults

Screenings for young adults

Labs for young adults

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Protecting yourself with vaccines

Vaccination is one of the safest and most effective ways to protect a child early in life. The immunization schedule recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is the trusted standard to train a child’s immune system. 


Here are the immunizations recommended for 19 to 21 years:

Tdap

What: Like DTaP, which you received as an infant to protect against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough), Tdap is a booster given every 10 years to continue protection.

How: Given as an injection, this booster is typically given at the 21 years well visit.

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Seasonal immunizations for young adults

The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months and older, while the COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for those at high risk of severe COVID disease.

Flu shot

What: Protects against seasonal influenza (flu), which can lead to serious complications in people with certain chronic health conditions, such as asthma or diabetes. 

How: Flu vaccines are given as an injection (approved for use in children 6 months and older) or as a nasal spray (approved for use in children 2 years and older).

When: Adults should receive a flu vaccine every flu season. September and October are generally good times to get vaccinated, with a goal of vaccination by the end of October whenever possible.

Screenings for young adults

Screenings for young adults are designed to protect their physical, mental, and sexual health and detect developing issues as early as possible. All teens and young adults are given the opportunity to discuss sensitive topics with their provider privately.


Here are the screenings recommended for 19 to 21 years:

Depression

What: It is recommended that all children age 12 and older be screened annually for depression, a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness.

How: Confidential conversations between patient and provider, plus validated questionnaires.

Why: Early detection allows for earlier management of depression symptoms.

Social needs

What: A short set of questions we ask all families about things like food, housing, transportation, and safety.

How: Questionnaire during pre-registration or check-in that takes 2-3 minutes.

Why: When we understand the patient’s environment, we can better support their growth, behavior, and success at home and at school.

Substance use & nicotine

What: It is recommended that all teens and adults age 11 and older be screened annually for tobacco, alcohol, and drug use.

How: Confidential conversations between patient and provider, plus validated questionnaires.

Why: Early detection allows for intervention before experimentation turns into addiction or long-term health complications.

No right answers

No right answers

Each person develops differently and every family is unique, so there are no right or wrong answers. This information allows your care team to help you and your family in a way that best meets your needs.

A note about privacy

A note about privacy

All your screening answers are private — we do not report this information to outside agencies. However, we can connect you to helpful resources if you request them.

Labs for young adults

Half of all new sexually transmitted infections occur in people under age 24, making routine lab tests vital for young adults who are sexually active — even if they have no symptoms.

Here are the labs recommended for 19 to 21 years:

Chlamydia & gonorrhea

What: It is recommended that teens and adults age 16 and older be screened for chlamydia and gonorrhea, sexually transmitted infections that can cause life-long issues (including infertility) if left untreated.

How: A simple urine test.

Why: Chlamydia and gonorrhea are typically asymptomatic, which means patients generally have no symptoms to indicate something is wrong and won’t know they are infected until the lab test confirms it.

Ready when you are

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