Immunizations Save Lives!

Immunizations may include commonly known vaccinations, such as flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines, in addition to other important, routine vaccinations for different age groups. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends certain vaccines, including the Tdap, Td, HPV, influenza, and hepatitis B vaccines, for teens and adults based on different age groups. CDC also recommends that adults over the age of 50 receive the shingles vaccine, pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, and pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, which protect against serious pneumococcal diseases, including meningitis and pneumonia.

Adults need to keep their vaccinations up to date. Immunity from childhood vaccines can wear off over time. Different diseases become risky to adults as well.

Know your beneficiaries! Other vaccines may be recommended based on age, health conditions, jobs, lifestyles, or travel plans. People from racial and ethnic minority groups are disproportionately affected when it comes to receiving recommended vaccines. Be aware and discuss concerns about vaccine safety with all groups of beneficiaries. 

The benefits of vaccination are not realized equally across the U.S. population. There are racial and ethnic disparities. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, adult vaccination rates remain low in the United States, leaving millions of adults susceptive to vaccine preventable diseases and their potentially severe consequences. With the aging of the U.S. population, the public health impact of vaccine-preventable diseases and their complications in adults is likely to grow. Click here to see the National Adult Immunization Plan (PDF). 

Providers can help! As a trusted source, your recommendation is the most important factor in increasing the use of preventive and screening services. Palmetto GBA needs your help to ensure that all beneficiaries with Medicare are aware of these covered benefits and that they are encouraged to take advantage of the preventive services for which they may be eligible.

Find specific ICD-10-CM service codes we cover on the CMS ICD-10 webpage or go to Palmetto GBA for more information.

Resources

• Standards for Adult Immunization Practices
   
• ACIP Vaccine Recommendations 
   
• Vaccines and Immunizations 
   
• Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) 
   
• COVID-19 Vaccine Policies & Guidance 
   
• Immunization and Vaccine Resources 
   
• Increasing Flu Shot Outreach & Uptake 
   
• MLN006559 – Medicare Preventive Services 
   
• Vaccine Education and Training for Healthcare Professionals