
Health screenings and vaccines men shouldn’t skip by age
Not sure what tests or vaccines you actually need? You’re not the only one.
Many people put off preventive care, especially when nothing feels wrong. But screenings and vaccines aren’t just for when you’re sick. They’re how you catch health risks early, stay protected and keep doing the things you enjoy as you age.
Your Longevity assessment takes stock of where you are, and flags anything that might be missing. Below, we break down what’s commonly recommended for men by age, so you can get up-to-date.
Why men need preventive health screenings (even without symptoms)
Most conditions that impact men as they age — like prostate cancer, colorectal cancer or lung disease — don’t show up with obvious symptoms early on. That’s why early screenings matter.
They’re designed to catch small changes before they become something bigger. And when detected early, many conditions are easier to treat or even prevent altogether.
Your Longevity assessment results will flag any missed or overdue screenings based on your age and health history.
What health screenings and vaccines do men need by age?
Wondering if you’re due for something? This chart outlines the most common cancer screenings and vaccines recommended for men in Canada, broken down by age.
Age Range | Recommended Screenings | Recommended Vaccines |
---|---|---|
Under 50 | Not routinely needed unless you have specific risk factors. | Tetanus (Td or Tdap, every 10 years) HPV vaccine (if not received earlier) Flu shot for adults (annually) Pertussis (included in Tdap booster) |
50–65 | Colon cancer screening (FIT, FOBT, colonoscopy, or sigmoidoscopy) Lung cancer screening (if you’ve smoked for 20+ years) Prostate exam (if you have urinary symptoms or a family history) |
Tetanus booster Shingles vaccine (starting at 50) Flu shot (annually) Pertussis and HPV boosters if needed |
65+ | Continue colon, lung, and prostate screening Bone density scan to screen for osteoporosis |
Flu shot (annually) Shingles vaccine Pneumonia vaccine Tetanus booster (as needed) |
Note: These are general recommendations based on age. Your personal or family health history may mean certain screenings or vaccines are recommended earlier or more often. If you’re unsure what applies to you, check in with your healthcare provider.
Where can men get vaccines and screening tests in Canada?
You can book most screening tests and vaccines through a family doctor or nurse practitioner, or a walk-in clinic. Some cancer screenings (like colon cancer tests) may require a lab requisition. Others, like flu or shingles vaccines, are available at local pharmacies with no appointment needed.
How to know if you’re up to date on vaccines and screenings
Your Longevity assessment does the work of identifying what you’ve already done — and what might need a follow-up. If your provider sent a message through Felix, it likely includes specific tests or vaccines recommended for your age and history.
The bottom line: Protect your future health, starting now
Staying on top of screenings and vaccines is one of the simplest ways to protect your long-term health, but only if you act on the information.
Your Longevity assessment results give you the full picture. Now it’s on you to take the next step.
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