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National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

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Preventive Care During COVID-19

Why should I keep in touch with my health care team? 

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect all aspects of life. It has disrupted regular appointments with your health care team. You may have been connecting with them virtually instead using telephone, video, or secure messaging in My HealtheVet.

Without your regular appointments, important services may have been delayed. These services, known as preventive care, include things like vaccines, screening tests, and wellness checks. They help keep you healthy and prevent diseases.  VA is reaching out to Veterans to talk about ways to meet your preventive care needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Why is preventive care important?

Staying up to date with your screening tests, immunizations and other wellness checks can help you: 
  • Stay healthy and active.
  • Prevent serious complications, hospitalizations and even death from certain infections.
  • Check for health conditions before symptoms or problems start.
  • Help manage any long-term health conditions.


What preventive services are important for me?

Every person is different. Talk with your health care team to decide which preventive services are important for you. You can also take a look at the VA recommendation charts for men and women at https://www.prevention.va.gov.

Depending on your age, sex, health status, and family history, your health care team may be checking to see if you’re up to date on some of the following common preventive care services: 
  • Screening for high blood pressure
  • Annual flu shot
  • Colorectal cancer screening
  • Mammogram
  • Cervical cancer screening
  • Mental Health screenings
  • Other relevant health and safety checks
If you have diabetes, your health care team may also check your feet, eyes, kidneys, and blood glucose (sugar) level to make sure you’re staying well. If you have other long-term health issues, your health care team may ask to do other types of health or wellness checks.

How else can my health care team help me?

The COVID-19 pandemic has been physically and emotionally draining for many people. Your health care team can connect you with any needed resources.

This has been a challenging time, and you are not alone.

If you or someone else is in a serious crisis and feeling suicidal:

  • Seek immediate help from your health care team or the nearest hospital emergency room
  • Call 911
  • Call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988, Press 1
Logo for Veterans Crisis Line Dial 988 then Press 1

What should I do next?

Contact your health care team to set up an appointment. Visit https://www.veteranshealthlibrary.va.gov to learn more about the importance of staying healthy and taking charge of your health.
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