Senior missionary health checklist
The senior missionary site lists clear guidelines for common conditions. Use this checklist with your doctor before you submit your recommendation.
Guidelines for common conditions
- Diabetes: an A1C of 10 or below is accepted.
- Prostate: a PSA of 8.0 or higher may need more review.
- Blood pressure: up to 150/90 is acceptable if it’s controlled with medication.
- TB test: only needed if you’ve been exposed or lived where TB occurs.
Sources: Senior missionary FAQ
Tests to discuss with your doctor
- Colonoscopy: not required, but get one if your doctor recommends it.
- Mammogram: recommended for Sisters, not required.
- Cardiac stress test: recommended if you have three or more risk factors, such as being 50 or older, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or obesity, a family history of heart disease, or chest pain.
Sources: Senior missionary FAQ
Shots for serving abroad
- Hepatitis A and B (an accelerated schedule exists).
- Tetanus within the last 5 years.
- MMR if you were born after 1956.
- Possibly typhoid, yellow fever or Japanese encephalitis, depending on where you go.
Seniors who decline these shots are assigned in their home country.
Sources: Senior missionary FAQ
Surgery and medicine
- Finish major surgery first, before your recommendation goes in. After a recent surgery, include a release letter from your doctor.
- List all medications, including any for mental health, on your forms.
- Medicine by mail may only come from a certified pharmacy, not family.
Sources: Senior missionary FAQ
Who to call
Health questions go to the Senior Missionary Medical Coordinator, usually through your stake president. Current contact details are on the official senior missionary medical page.
Insurance questions? See Medicare and insurance on a senior mission abroad.
Sources: Senior missionary FAQ
Next steps
Questions
What A1C is accepted for senior missionaries?
The senior missionary site lists an A1C of 10 or below.
Is a cardiac stress test required?
No. It is recommended if you have three or more risk factors, such as age 50+, high blood pressure or diabetes.
What if I don’t want the vaccines for foreign service?
Seniors who decline them are assigned to serve in their home country.
Sources
. Unofficial: check your call packet and the Missionary Portal for your own details. Official pages and your leaders are always the final word. GotMyCall is unofficial and not affiliated with or endorsed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.