Immunizations – Part of Your Good Health

Why are immunizations so important for children?  Many dangerous diseases, such as measles, mumps, rubella (German measles), whooping cough, chicken pox, polio, and tetanus (lockjaw), can cause permanent disability or death.  That is why it is important to protect your children by following the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines regarding administration of immunizations. 

Although most adults and teens receive the great majority of immunizations during childhood, it is important to remember that vaccines are not just for children, but are also a part of good health for teens and adults.  To keep up-to-date with your tetanus and diphtheria immunizations, physicians normally recommend a booster, or an additional vaccine, every ten years.  Adults and teens who have not had measles, mumps and chickenpox during childhood or the vaccines to prevent these diseases, should discuss getting these immunizations with a physician.

What Can You Do?

• Keep a written record of your and your children’s immunizations and share it with your physician.  We make it easy when you use MyBlue Personal Health Record on our website.
• Check with your physician at each visit to find out if your child needs any booster shots.
• Talk to your physician about any risk factors that may require you or your children to get additional immunizations.

Your Coverage
Both Standard and Basic Option provide benefits for immunizations for adults and children.  For adults, when you use a Preferred physician, you pay nothing for the immunizations and a copayment for the related-office visit.  Immunizations for children are paid in full as part of Well Child Care.  Please see Section 5(a) in the 2011 Service Benefit Plan brochure for additional information about benefits for immunizations and vaccines.

Written by Paula Spurway, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.  Resources: 2011 Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan brochure (RI 71-005); www.cdc.gov, Immunizations.

Page last updated: June 15, 2011