Independence is continuing its series of messages for the parents and/or guardians of our Keystone HMO Children’s Health Insurance Program (Keystone HMO CHIP) members to help families manage their child’s health care. The topics chosen are based on Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS®) measures. We are sharing these topics with you to help support compliance with these measures and to encourage families to obtain these important services.
This month’s message is about the importance of immunizations.
Important information on HEDIS measures
Childhood immunizations
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Tdap/Td: Babies need three doses of Tdap to strengthen their immune system against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. Then, to maintain that protection through early childhood, young children will need two additional booster shots.
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Measure: At least four DTaP vaccinations (DTaP Administered Value Set) with different dates of service on or before the child’s second birthday. The CDC recommends doses at the following ages:
- two months of age
- four months of age
- six months of age
- 15 through 18 months of age
Adolescent immunizations
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Combo 2 (Meningococcal, Tdap, HPV): Recommendations for adolescents are as follows:
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HPV. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says all boys and girls ages 9 to 12 should get two doses of the HPV vaccine. The shots should be spaced at least six months apart.
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Tdap. Preteens should get one dose, called Tdap, between the ages of 11 and 12 to boost their immunity.
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Meningococcal. Recommended when a child is 11 or 12 with a booster given at 16, or for when a child is 13 – 18 if they haven’t been previously vaccinated.
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Measure:The percentage of adolescents 13 years of age who had one dose of meningococcal vaccine, one tetanus, diphtheria toxoids and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine, and have completed the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine series by their 13th birthday.
How you can help
Ensure each Keystone HMO CHIP patient is kept up to date with his or her immunizations by updating and completing the appropriate immunizations at each visit.
Stay tuned for more topics regarding care for your Keystone HMO CHIP patients.