The flu shot is not the only
vaccine adults need. Encourage your adult AmeriHealth members to get vaccinated
and help us ensure that our adult patients are fully immunized for other health
risks.
Patients should get up to date with their
vaccinations
Studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate
that the vaccination rates are extremely low among adults.1 In fact,
most adults are not aware that they need vaccinations, or which vaccines are
appropriate for them, until speaking with a health care professional. This
highlights the importance of discussing vaccinations with your patients and
assessing their vaccination status.
The CDC provides an Adult Vaccine Assessment Tool for patients to
evaluate their immunization status.1 Patients can access the tool
through the Vaccine Information for Adults section of the CDC website.
The tool informs the patient what vaccinations are needed according to their
age, gender, and medical conditions. Patients can discuss the results with
their health care provider.
What providers should do for their
patients
The CDC also recommends a set of practice standards for
providers.2 Providers should:
- Assess the immunization status of all adult patients at
every clinical encounter.
- Recommend vaccines that patients
need.
- Administer or refer patients to
a vaccination provider (other provider that offers vaccines you do not
stock).
- Document vaccines received by your patients.
By encouraging your AmeriHealth patients to stay up to date on their
vaccinations, you are helping to reduce potential health risks that are
preventable or minimized by vaccines.
Learn more
For more information on vaccines and immunizations, providers can visit the
CDC website, and our
websites for AmeriHealth New Jersey or AmeriHealth Pennsylvania.