Understanding the Importance of Routine Health Screenings
June 5, 2025
When was the last time you had a health screening? If you’re like many people, it might have been a while. Life gets busy, and unless something feels wrong, it’s easy to put routine checkups on the back burner. But screenings are one way to stay informed about your health before any symptoms appear.
At the Andrew County Health Department, we provide a range of screenings to help community members stay aware of potential health risks. While we don’t diagnose or treat conditions, we do offer testing and education that can help you follow up with your provider if needed.
What Is a Routine Screening?
A routine screening is a simple test that checks for common health conditions. These are not meant to confirm a diagnosis, but instead to detect early signs of issues like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or elevated blood sugar. Catching these signs early may help you decide when to talk to your primary care provider or seek further care.
Screenings can also include checks for vision and hearing, as well as testing for infections such as HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs). These types of screenings are confidential and handled with care by trained professionals.
What Screenings Are Available?
At our department, we offer several screenings as part of our public health services. While availability may vary, some of the screenings typically offered include:
- Blood pressure checks
- Cholesterol testing
- Blood sugar testing
- Vision and hearing screening
- HIV and STI testing
- Tuberculosis (TB) testing
These services are designed to help you stay informed about possible health changes. If any result indicates the need for further attention, we can provide a referral to a healthcare provider or specialist in your area.
Why Are Screenings Important?
Health screenings can serve as a first step in learning more about what’s going on inside your body. Sometimes, common conditions do not cause noticeable symptoms at first. Screenings may detect changes before you feel anything unusual, which is why they are often recommended on a regular basis.
Again, these screenings are not diagnostic. They don’t replace a visit to your doctor or confirm any medical condition. But they may give you helpful information to bring with you to a healthcare visit.
Who Can Use These Services?
Our screening services are available to all Andrew County residents, and many are provided at little or no cost. You do not always need to have health insurance to receive a screening. We aim to make these services as accessible as possible so that everyone has the opportunity to learn more about their health.
Whether you are looking to get a checkup for peace of mind or you were recently advised to monitor certain health factors, we’re here to support you with clear information and useful tools.
Vaccines are an important part of public health, but many people still have questions about what is available and when certain shots are needed. Whether you're a parent preparing for school enrollment or an adult wanting to stay on top of your health, understanding local immunization options can help you make informed decisions. At the Andrew County Health Department, we provide a variety of immunizations for residents of all ages. These services are designed to make it easier for families and individuals to stay up to date with recommended vaccines. What Vaccines Are Offered? The department offers immunizations for both children and adults. These may include vaccines that are required for school, as well as those that are recommended seasonally or for specific age groups. Some examples include: Childhood vaccines such as DTaP, MMR, polio, and varicella Teen and adult vaccines including Tdap, meningitis, and HPV Seasonal vaccines such as influenza (flu) and COVID-19 Other vaccines based on CDC guidelines and local availability To see which vaccines are currently being offered, or to find out if you are eligible for a specific shot, it's best to contact the department directly. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged to help reduce wait times. Who Can Receive Vaccines? Immunizations are available to all residents of Andrew County. The health department works with the Missouri Department of Health and other programs to offer vaccines for children and adults, sometimes at reduced or no cost depending on the situation. If you are uninsured or underinsured, you may still be able to receive certain vaccines through federal programs like the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. Children entering school or daycare often need to show proof of certain vaccines. The health department can help guide families through what is required and when booster shots may be needed. Adults may also benefit from updated vaccines, especially if they are in contact with young children, have certain health conditions, or simply have not received boosters in several years. What to Expect During Your Visit Vaccines are given by trained staff in a clean and safe environment. During your visit, you may be asked to provide some background health information, especially if you are receiving multiple vaccines at once. If you have a vaccination record, it’s a good idea to bring it with you. This helps the nurse know what you’ve already received and what might still be recommended based on your age or medical history. For children, the health department staff is familiar with working with all age groups and does their best to make the process as comfortable as possible. Why Vaccinations Matter While everyone’s health needs are different, vaccines are one tool that public health agencies use to help reduce the risk of certain illnesses in the community. Keeping up with recommended vaccines may help protect not just yourself, but also those around you. It’s important to note that immunization decisions should always be discussed with your healthcare provider. The information provided by the health department is intended to help you make educated choices and stay informed about what is available in your area. How to Learn More If you are unsure whether you or your child needs a vaccine, or if you want to ask questions before scheduling an appointment, the Andrew County Health Department is available to assist. You can visit the Nurses Corner section on their website or call the office during business hours to speak with a team member. The office is located at 106 N. 5th Street in Savannah and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. This blog is intended for educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. For personal medical concerns, please speak with your licensed healthcare provider.
If you’ve ever wondered what your local health department actually does, you’re not alone. Many people think public health services are only about shots and restaurant inspections, but there’s a lot more happening behind the scenes. At the Andrew County Health Department, we offer a variety of services to support the health and safety of our community. Whether you’re starting a family, planning for school vaccinations, working in food service, or just want to better understand your health, there’s probably a service here that applies to your life. Immunizations for All Ages One of the most well-known services we provide is immunization. From childhood vaccines to adult boosters, our team can help you stay up to date. This includes routine school-required vaccines, flu shots, COVID-19 vaccines, and travel-related immunizations. Some vaccines may be available at a reduced cost or through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program for those who qualify. If you have questions about which immunizations are available or whether you’re eligible for assistance, our team is here to help. Preventive Screenings We also offer several health screenings. These services are not for diagnosis, but they can help identify changes in your health that you may want to bring to your healthcare provider. Examples of screenings we offer include: Blood pressure Cholesterol Blood sugar Vision and hearing HIV and certain STIs Tuberculosis Screenings are confidential, and our staff works with care to ensure you feel comfortable throughout the process. WIC Nutrition Support If you’re pregnant, have recently had a baby, or are caring for a child under age five, you may be eligible for the WIC program. WIC stands for Women, Infants, and Children. It provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and supplemental food packages at no cost to families who qualify. Our WIC staff can also help connect you with other health resources and make sure you are getting the support you need. Eligibility is based on income and other factors, and you do not have to be on Medicaid to qualify. Environmental Health & Food Safety Public health isn’t just about personal wellness. We also help protect the broader community through environmental health programs. This includes inspecting restaurants, child care centers, and other food establishments. We check for cleanliness, food handling procedures, and compliance with state health regulations. Our team also helps review food plans for new businesses and provides training to food handlers. If you operate or plan to open a food-related business in Andrew County, we can walk you through the safety steps you’ll need to follow. Need a certified copy of a birth or death certificate? We can help with that too. You can request these records by mail or in person at our office in Savannah. Requirements vary slightly depending on the document, so it’s a good idea to review the process online before visiting. Child Care Consultation If you run a child care facility or work with children, we offer consultation services that can help improve the health and safety of your program. These services include guidance on nutrition, wellness practices, breastfeeding, tobacco prevention, and other child-focused health priorities. We support providers with tools and resources that meet state guidelines and help foster a safe environment for children in care. Emergency Preparedness Resources Public health also plays a key role during emergencies. We provide educational materials and planning guides for everything from tornadoes to power outages and infectious disease outbreaks. While we can’t prevent every disaster, having a plan in place can make a big difference in how your household handles it. You’ll find checklists, contact info, and more in the Emergency Preparedness section of our site. The Andrew County Health Department is here to serve the community with education, preventive resources, and public health protections. If you’re unsure about whether we offer something or need help finding a service, we encourage you to reach out directly or explore the different areas of our website. We’re located in Savannah and open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. This blog is for educational purposes only and does not offer medical advice. For specific health concerns or decisions, please consult a licensed healthcare provider.
The Andrew County Health Department provides various health screening services to help residents monitor their health status. These screenings are designed to detect potential health concerns early and provide information that individuals can discuss with their healthcare providers. What Are Health Screenings? Health screenings are basic tests or checks that can identify potential health concerns. These screenings are not diagnostic tests and do not replace visits to primary care providers. They serve as preliminary assessments that can indicate whether further medical evaluation may be warranted. Available Screening Services The Andrew County Health Department offers several types of health screenings including blood pressure checks, vision and hearing screenings, STD and HIV testing, tuberculosis testing, and blood sugar and cholesterol screenings at special events. These screenings are conducted by trained public health professionals in private settings, with results typically available during the visit or within a few days for laboratory tests. Screening Process Each type of screening follows specific procedures. Blood pressure screenings involve using a cuff to measure blood pressure, which takes approximately one minute. Vision screenings test visual clarity using eye charts. STD testing may involve collecting samples such as urine or swabs for laboratory analysis, with confidential results provided within a few days. Hearing screenings use headphones to test hearing range across different sound frequencies. Most screenings require minimal preparation and no extensive paperwork. Individuals who receive results indicating potential concerns are provided with referral information for follow-up care with healthcare providers of their choice. Privacy and Confidentiality All screening services follow strict public health privacy standards. Personal health information and results are shared only with the individual being screened. This confidential approach is particularly important for sensitive services such as HIV or STD testing, which are provided in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. Screening Locations and Events The Andrew County Health Department conducts screenings at their office location and participates in community outreach events throughout the year. These outreach activities may include local school events, community health fairs, back-to-school events, workplace wellness programs, and mobile clinics in rural areas. Information about upcoming screening events and locations is available on the health department's website and social media channels. Preparation for Screenings Most screenings require minimal preparation. General recommendations include wearing clothing with short sleeves for easy access during blood pressure or tuberculosis testing, bringing a list of current medications, avoiding caffeine before blood pressure screenings as it may temporarily affect readings, and bringing identification if requested, though most screenings are open to all residents. Individuals with specific questions about preparation can contact the health department in advance. Accessibility and Cost Many screening services are available at no cost or low cost to residents. These services are generally accessible to the public regardless of insurance status. Some screenings operate on a walk-in basis, while others may require scheduling. Contact information and availability details can be obtained by calling the health department. Community Health Impact Health screenings contribute to community health monitoring by helping identify health trends and needs within the population. This information assists public health officials in developing appropriate community health programs and responses. Contact Information For information about upcoming screening events, scheduling, costs, and specific screening services, visit andrewcountyhealth.com or contact the Andrew County Health Department directly. Current screening schedules and locations are regularly updated on the department's website and social media platforms.
