--- title: "18-21 Year Well Visit: Information for Patients" slug: "18-21-year-well-visit-information-for-patients-1" updated: 2026-06-26T16:20:19Z published: 2026-06-26T16:20:19Z canonical: "healthhub.cpcmg.net/18-21-year-well-visit-information-for-patients-1" --- > ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://healthhub.cpcmg.net/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # 18-21 Year Well Visit: Information for Patients ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/a196e2c1-0707-4b9f-8164-e8201c779cd7/Images/Documentation/image-Y6QMOWNT.png) [![Appointment Info](https://cdn.us.document360.io/a196e2c1-0707-4b9f-8164-e8201c779cd7/Images/Documentation/1650055438388-1650055438388.png)](/v1/docs/appointments-and-contact-information) [![Care Decision Info](https://cdn.us.document360.io/a196e2c1-0707-4b9f-8164-e8201c779cd7/Images/Documentation/1654467115781-1654467115781.png)](https://www.rchsd.org/wait-times/what-type-of-care-does-my-child-need/)

DISCLAIMER: This material is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor does it replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. Reference to a specific commercial product, service, or external web site does not imply endorsement or recommendation of that product, service, or external web site content by CPCMG. We attempt to keep lists of resources and referrals as up to date as possible; however, this information is constantly changing. Please check with the service provider and your insurance company to verify coverage.

 **Visit our Health Hub at** [**https://healthhub.cpcmg.net**](https://healthhub.cpcmg.net) **to learn more about your health, wellness, and development. Available 24/7!** #### How You Are Doing - **Enjoy spending time with your family.** - Find activities you are really interested in, such as sports, theater, or volunteering. - Try to be responsible for your schoolwork or work obligations. - Always talk through problems and never use violence. - **If you get angry with someone, try to walk away.** - If you feel unsafe in your home or have been hurt by someone, let us know. Hotlines and community agencies can also provide confidential help. - WEBSITES: - Child Protective Services 858-560-2191, 800-344-6000, [https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/hhsa/programs/cs/child_welfare_services/child_abuse_hotline.html](https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/hhsa/programs/cs/child_welfare_services/child_abuse_hotline.html) - Prevent Child Abuse California 800-244-5373 [http://www.thecapcenter.org](http://www.thecapcenter.org) - Talk with us if you are worried about your **living or** [**food situation**](/v1/docs/nutrition-resources-for-families)**.** Community agencies and programs such as SNAP can help. - **Don’t smoke, vape, or use drugs.** Avoid people who do when you can. Talk with us if you are worried about alcohol or drug use in your family. #### Your Daily Life - Be a healthy eater. - Have **vegetables, fruits, lean protein, and whole grains** at meals and snacks. - Limit fatty, sugary, salty foods that are low in nutrients, such as candy, chips, and ice cream. - Eat when you’re hungry. Stop when you feel satisfied. - Eat breakfast. - Drink plenty of water. - Women: Make sure to eat foods rich in folate, such as fortified grains and dark-green leafy vegetables. - **Important Vitamins and Nutrients:** - [**Calcium**](/v1/docs/building-strong-bones)**:** Builds strong **bones**. Commonly found in dairy products, sardines, broccoli, kale, and enriched orange juice. - [**Vitamin D:**](/v1/docs/vitamin-d-for-children-and-adolescents) Helps keep **bones** strong and supports **many body functions**. Many teens don’t get enough. Found in milk, yogurt, cheese, salmon, tuna, mushrooms, egg yolk, and fortified cereals. - [**Iron:**](/v1/docs/iron-rich-food-and-drink-options) Keeps **blood** healthy, helping with **growth and development**. Found in eggs, chicken, leafy greens, red meat, beans, and fortified grains like breads and cereals. - Aim for at least 1 hour of physical activity every day. - Wear safety equipment when you play sports. - Get enough sleep. #### Your Feelings/Mental Health - **Most people have ups and downs.** If you are feeling sad, depressed, nervous, irritable, hopeless, or angry, let us know or reach out to another health care professional. - It is important to figure out how to deal with stress in ways that you can manage. Good Apps to help with these feelings include Breathe, Breathe Kids, Calm, and Headspace. > [!CAUTION] > If you're worried about suicide or self-harm, go to the emergency room (ER) or urgent care right away. - **Helpful access and crisis lines:** - San Diego County 888-724-7240 - Riverside County 951-686-HELP (4357) - Crisis Text Line: 741741 – text any word (like HELP or TALK) to start a discussion. - You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (text 988) at any time to speak with someone immediately. - For more resources and helpful information, **visit our behavioral and mental health webpage** [**here**](https://healthhub.cpcmg.net/docs/behavioral-and-mental-health)**.** #### Sexual Health - Sexuality is an important part of your life. If you have any questions or concerns, we are here for you. - Some young adults may be exploring their **gender identity and sexual orientation**. Learn more about these topics [here](/v1/docs/lgbtq). - **Know about sexual consent**—it means all participants clearly agree to a sexual activity every time. - Know how to **prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).** - STIs are spread by having oral, vaginal, or anal sex with someone who already has an STI – they might not have any symptoms. The only sure way to prevent pregnancy and STIs is by not having sex. - Condoms and other forms of contraception should be used to help prevent pregnancy. Only condoms help prevent the spread of STIs. - For more information call the **STI Hotline:** - **English**: 1-800-227-8922 - **Spanish**: 1-800-344-7432 - **TTY**: 1-800-243-7889 - Please reach out to your primary care provider if you would like additional resources or support. - Talk to your healthcare provider if you are sexually active or thinking about it. #### Healthy Behavior Choices - **Avoid using drugs, alcohol, tobacco, steroids, and diet pills.** Support friends who choose not to use. - If you use drugs or alcohol, let us know or talk with another trusted adult about it. We can help you with quitting or cutting down on your use. - **Resources for Substance Use** - [https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/young-adult/Pages/Drinking-Responsibly-at-College.aspx](https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/young-adult/Pages/Drinking-Responsibly-at-College.aspx) - [Aa.org](http://Aa.org) - Alcoholics Anonymous - [Al-anon.org](http://Al-anon.org) - Support groups for those affected by alcoholics - California Youth Crisis Line: 800-843-5200 or [https://calyouth.org/cycl/](https://calyouth.org/cycl/) - [Na.org](http://Na.org) - Narcotics Anonymous - For smoking and vaping: Call 1-800-NO-BUTTS today or visit [https://www.nobutts.org](https://www.nobutts.org) - **Protect your hearing** at work, home, and concerts. Keep your earbud volume down. - Here are some resources about staying healthy: - [https://youngmenshealthsite.org/](https://youngmenshealthsite.org/) - [https://youngwomenshealth.org/](https://youngwomenshealth.org/) #### Healthy Teeth - Schedule dental visits **every 6 months** to keep teeth healthy. - Brush **twice a day** and floss **once a day**. - Ask your healthcare provider for dentist recommendations. - To find **Medi-Cal dental clinics** near you: - **Call:** 1-800-322-6384 - **Visit:** Denti-Cal Website [here](https://dental.dhcs.ca.gov/). #### Immunizations - Make sure you have received all vaccines recommended for teenagers and young adults. - **HPV (Human Papilloma Virus)** - First dose at age 9 or 10, second (and final) dose 6 months later. - If first dose is given after turning 15, then 3 doses are needed. - **Meningococcal ACWY** - First dose at age 11-12. - Second (and final) dose at age 16. - **Meningococcal B** - Usually given senior year of high school, but the first dose can be given any time after turning 16. - Second (and final) dose 6 months later. - **Tdap** - Every 10 years - For pregnant women, once during each pregnancy - **Influenza and COVID-19** - New versions of the vaccine every year. - Usually available in the fall. - **Common side effects from vaccines** - **Fever** - can be treated with [acetaminophen](/v1/docs/acetaminophen-tylenol-dose-chart) or [ibuprofen](/v1/docs/ibuprofen-advil-motrin-dosage-table). - **Soreness** - can be treated with [ibuprofen](/v1/docs/ibuprofen-advil-motrin-dosage-table) or cool compress. - **Swelling** at injection site - can be treated with cool compress. - **For more details, visit the** [**immunizations**](https://healthhub.cpcmg.net/docs/cpcmg-vaccines) **section on our Health Hub.** #### Staying Safe - Always be a **safe and cautious driver.** - Insist that everyone use a lap and shoulder seat belt. - Limit the number of friends in the car and avoid driving at night. - Avoid distractions. **Never text or talk on the phone while you drive.** - Do not ride in a vehicle with someone who has been using drugs or alcohol. - If you feel unsafe driving or riding with someone, call someone you trust to drive you. - **Wear helmets and protective gear** while playing sports. Wear a helmet when riding a bike, a motorcycle, or an ATV or when skiing or skateboarding. - Always use sunscreen and a hat when you’re outside. - Fighting and carrying weapons can be dangerous. Talk with your parents, teachers, or health care provider about how to avoid these situations. #### Transition to Adult Healthcare - For most people, **you will start to see an adult primary care provider (PCP) when you are 19 years old.** - For help transitioning to an adult provider, go to [w](http://www.gottransition.org)[ww.gottransition.org.](/docs/www.gottransition.org.) - [Click here for information on transition to adult healthcare for patients with autism and special developmental needs.](/v1/docs/asd-teen-and-adult-years) - You should see your PCP at least once per year. - Healthcare providers who specialize in primary care for adults include: - **Family Medicine** - **Internal Medicine** - If your PCP uses Epic/MyChart, they will be able to see your CPCMG records through Care Everywhere. - If your PCP does not use Epic/MyChart, you can request a copy of your records in your CPCMG MyChart account to share with your PCP. - You can print a copy of your immunization record from MyChart. - Talk with us about managing your health care and insurance as an adult. ## 📚 References This content was adapted from [Bright Futures](https://www.aap.org/en/practice-management/bright-futures/bright-futures-family-centered-care/). Reviewed by JW MD, Patient Education Committee.