August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM).

This month, the CDC is bringing attention to the need for immunizations for people of all ages. 

Any parent with a child heading back to school this month is probably very aware of the need for immunizations.  Schools have rules regarding either proof of receipt or exemptions from the mandatory vaccinations. 

The list of mandatory vaccinations could include:

Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (DTaP)

Polio Series

Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR)

Hepatitis B Series (Hep B)

Varicella

Tetanus/Pertussis Booster (Tdap)

Seasonal influenza

The need for vaccinations does not end at childhood.  Recommendations from the CDC for adults ages 19 to 65+ are as follows:

Age	Recommended Immunizations
19 – 65+	Flu vaccine annually Tetanus/Diptheria/Pertussis (Tdap) once, then Tetanus/Diptheria(Td) booster every 10 years Varicella (Chickenpox) 2 doses
19 - 55	Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) 1 to 2 doses
19 - 26	HPV Vaccine for women 3 doses
19 - 21	HPV Vaccine for men 3 doses
60 +	Zoster (Shingles) 1 dose
65+	Pneumococcal (Pneumonia) 1 dose
	Influenza and pneumococcal are considered highly serious diseases for adults age 65 and above.  See area below for Medicare coverage information for those two vaccines as well as Hepatitis B.

Medicare Part B covers these immunizations and their administration for qualified beneficiaries.

 

               Influenza Immunizations

Medicare covers both the costs of the vaccine and its administration by recognized providers. There is no coinsurance or co-payment applied to this benefit, and a beneficiary does not have to meet his or her deductible to receive this benefit.

 

Pneumococcal Vaccinations

Medicare provides coverage for one (1) pneumococcal vaccine for all beneficiaries. One vaccine at age 65 generally provides coverage for a lifetime, but for some high risk persons, revaccination may be appropriate. Medicare will also cover a pneumococcal vaccine for persons at the highest risk if 5 years have passed since the last vaccination. There is no coinsurance or co-payment applied to this benefit, and a beneficiary does not have to meet his or her deductible to receive this benefit.

 

Hepatitis B Vaccinations

Persons at high or intermediate risk, such as people with renal disease, hemophilia, and diabetes mellitus, are among those who are eligible to receive coverage for this immunization benefit when it is administered by qualified providers under Medicare Part B. Neither a Part B deductible nor coinsurance or copayment applies to the vaccines or their administration from qualified providers that agree to accept assignment.