Vaccines &
Pap Smears Your protection. Your prevention.

From annual pap smears and cervical cancer screenings to adult immunizations and travel vaccines, Dr. Akers ensures your preventive care is never left to chance.

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Preventive Care That Works Protection
From Within

A pap smear is one of the most powerful tools in preventive medicine. Combined with routine immunizations, these two services form the foundation of protecting your long-term health before illness has a chance to take root. At Superior Health Medical & Wellness, Dr. Akers performs both with clinical precision and the kind of thorough, unhurried care that makes all the difference.

Whether you are due for your annual pap smear, need your flu shot, or are preparing for international travel and need specialized vaccines, we handle every aspect of your immunization and screening needs in one place, with one physician who knows your full history.

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Preventive care at Superior Health Medical and Wellness
Vaccines & Pap Smears What We Provide

From annual pap smears to HPV vaccines and adult immunizations, Dr. Akers handles every aspect of your preventive screening and vaccination needs in one place. Explore the services below to learn more about what to expect and how each one protects your long-term health.

A pap smear tests for abnormal cervical cells that could indicate precancerous changes or cervical cancer. Dr. Akers performs this routine screening during your annual well-woman exam, collecting a small sample of cervical cells for laboratory analysis. Most results return within a few days. Regular screening is the most effective way to catch cervical changes early, when treatment is straightforward and highly effective.
HPV (human papillomavirus) is the most common sexually transmitted infection and the leading cause of cervical cancer. Dr. Akers can perform an HPV co-test alongside your pap smear, testing the same cervical sample for the presence of high-risk HPV strains. Depending on your age and results, you may need co-testing every three to five years rather than annually.
The HPV vaccine protects against the strains of HPV most responsible for cervical cancer and genital warts. It is recommended for preteens but is approved and effective for adults up to age 45. If you have not been vaccinated, Dr. Akers can walk you through whether the vaccine is right for you based on your age and health history.
Influenza vaccination is recommended every year for virtually all adults. The flu vaccine formula changes annually to match circulating strains. Getting vaccinated each fall protects you, reduces your risk of hospitalization, and helps protect vulnerable people around you who cannot receive vaccines themselves.
COVID-19 vaccines and updated boosters remain an important tool in protecting against serious illness. Dr. Akers stays current on CDC recommendations and can administer updated boosters that match circulating variants. We make it easy to stay current without needing to schedule a separate appointment at a pharmacy.
Shingrix is the preferred shingles vaccine for adults 50 and older and is given as a two-dose series. Shingles can cause severe, long-lasting nerve pain. Shingrix is over 90% effective at preventing shingles and its complications. If you had chickenpox as a child, the virus remains dormant in your system and can reactivate as shingles decades later.
Pneumococcal vaccines (PPSV23 and PCV15 or PCV20) protect against bacterial pneumonia, which can be serious or fatal in older adults and immunocompromised individuals. Dr. Akers will review your vaccination history and determine which pneumococcal vaccine or combination is appropriate for your age and health status.
Tdap protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). Adults need a Tdap booster every 10 years. It is especially important during pregnancy and for anyone who will be in close contact with a newborn. Dr. Akers tracks your vaccination record and will alert you when a booster is due.
International travel often requires specialized vaccines depending on destination, season, and your personal health history. Common travel vaccines include typhoid, hepatitis A and B, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, meningitis, and rabies. Schedule a travel health consultation with Dr. Akers at least 4 to 6 weeks before departure to ensure you are fully protected.
Dr. Akers also administers meningococcal vaccines, hepatitis A and B series, RSV vaccine for adults 60 and older, and any other CDC-recommended adult immunizations. If you are unsure whether your vaccine schedule is up to date, we can review your full immunization history and fill any gaps during a single visit.
Why It Matters Prevention Is
The Best Medicine
Dr. Akers providing preventive care
01 Early Detection Saves Lives

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers when caught early. Regular pap smears have reduced cervical cancer mortality by more than 70% in countries with routine screening programs. Skipping your annual screening means missing the window when changes are easiest to treat.

02 Vaccines Protect Your Whole Life

Immunity from childhood vaccines fades over time. Adult booster shots, annual flu shots, and newer vaccines like Shingrix and RSV exist because your immune needs evolve as you age. Staying current with your vaccines protects you and the people around you who are too young or too ill to be vaccinated themselves.

03 One Visit, Complete Protection

Dr. Akers handles your pap smear, your HPV co-test, and any due vaccines in a single appointment. No separate pharmacy trips. No scheduling multiple providers. One physician who knows your history handles your complete preventive care with precision and without rushing you.

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Pap smear and cervical health screening
Cervical Health Your Pap Smear, Explained

A pap smear takes less than five minutes and does not require any special preparation beyond avoiding intercourse, douching, or vaginal medications for two days before your appointment. Dr. Akers uses a speculum to gently open the vaginal canal and collects a small sample of cells from the cervix using a soft brush.

Results typically return within three to five days. Normal results mean no abnormal cells were found. If results come back as abnormal, it does not necessarily mean cancer. It may mean that some cells look slightly different from normal, which Dr. Akers will discuss with you in detail, explain what the finding means, and outline next steps clearly so you leave the office fully informed.

Most guidelines recommend beginning pap smears at age 21, regardless of sexual activity, and continuing every three years through age 65 if results are consistently normal. After age 30, a pap plus HPV co-test every five years is an acceptable alternative.

Vaccines and immunizations at Superior Health Medical
Immunization Vaccines Built
For Your Life Stage

Your vaccination needs change throughout your life. The schedule that protected you as a child leaves gaps as you enter adulthood, and new vaccines become relevant as you age. Dr. Akers reviews your complete immunization history at every annual exam and creates a personalized vaccine plan that accounts for your age, health conditions, travel plans, and occupational exposure risks.

She administers vaccines in-office so you never have to make a separate trip to a pharmacy. If you are unsure what vaccines you have had or whether your boosters are current, bring whatever records you have. Dr. Akers will work with what you have, order any necessary titer tests to confirm immunity, and build a clear schedule going forward.

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Frequently Asked Questions Your Questions,
Answered
Most guidelines recommend a pap smear every three years for women ages 21 to 29. From age 30 to 65, you can choose to do a pap alone every three years, or a pap plus HPV co-test every five years. Women with certain risk factors, a history of abnormal results, or an immune condition may need to be screened more frequently. Dr. Akers will help you determine the right interval for your situation.
A pap smear is generally uncomfortable rather than painful. You may feel mild pressure or cramping during the brief procedure. The discomfort typically lasts only a few seconds. Dr. Akers works at your pace and will talk you through each step so there are no surprises. If you have experienced discomfort in the past, let her know so she can take additional steps to make you as comfortable as possible.
A pap smear tests for abnormal cervical cells, while an HPV test checks for the presence of high-risk strains of human papillomavirus. Both tests use the same cervical sample, but they look for different things. A pap smear shows how the cells currently look, while an HPV test tells you whether a virus that can cause cell changes is present. Dr. Akers may recommend a co-test that does both simultaneously, depending on your age and history.
An abnormal pap smear does not mean you have cancer. It means some cells looked different from normal, which happens for many reasons including infection, inflammation, or mild precancerous changes. Dr. Akers will contact you with results and explain exactly what was found, what it means, and what comes next. Most abnormal results require a follow-up test or a colposcopy for a closer look. Caught early, virtually all cervical abnormalities are treatable.
Yes. The HPV vaccine protects against the strains most likely to cause cervical cancer, but it does not protect against all strains, and it does not replace screening. Pap smears detect cell changes regardless of cause, so they remain an important part of your preventive care even if you were vaccinated.
Most guidelines recommend stopping routine pap smears at age 65 if your previous results have been consistently normal and you have had adequate screening. If you have a history of high-grade abnormal cells, cervical cancer, or certain other conditions, Dr. Akers may recommend continuing screening beyond 65. This is a decision she will make with you based on your complete history.
Most adults need an annual flu vaccine, a Tdap booster every 10 years, and COVID-19 boosters as recommended. Adults 50 and older should get the Shingrix (shingles) vaccine series. Depending on your age and health status, you may also need pneumonia vaccines, hepatitis A and B, RSV vaccine, and meningococcal vaccines. Dr. Akers reviews your immunization record at each visit to ensure you are fully protected.
Yes. Most vaccines can be safely administered during the same visit. Dr. Akers will review any potential interactions or spacing requirements and administer all appropriate vaccines at once when possible, saving you multiple trips.
Most preventive vaccines are covered at 100% by insurance under the Affordable Care Act, with no cost to you when administered by an in-network provider. Pap smears are also typically covered as preventive care. Dr. Akers's office will verify your specific coverage before your appointment. Contact your insurer or our office if you have questions about your plan.
Yes. Cervical cancer screening is recommended based on age, not sexual activity history. HPV can be present without symptoms for years, and cell changes can occur for reasons unrelated to current sexual activity. Dr. Akers recommends following standard age-based guidelines for all patients.
Travel vaccine requirements depend on your destination, the season, how long you will be traveling, your accommodations, and planned activities. Common travel vaccines include hepatitis A, typhoid, hepatitis B, yellow fever, meningococcal, and malaria prophylaxis. Schedule a travel health consultation with Dr. Akers at least four to six weeks before departure so you have enough time to complete any multi-dose vaccine series.
Most vaccine visits at Superior Health take 20 to 30 minutes including the standard 15-minute post-vaccine observation period. If you are receiving multiple vaccines or combining them with a pap smear or annual exam, plan for a slightly longer appointment. Dr. Akers does not rush these visits.