Don’t let a pandemic stand in the way of childhood vaccinations
Every year, National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) highlights the importance of protecting infants and young children from vaccine-preventable diseases. NIIW 2021 is April 24 – May 1.
For over a year, COVID-19 has caused many disruptions in families’ lives – and in some cases, it’s meant that children have missed or delayed their wellness checkups and vaccinations, which are a critical part of keeping children healthy.
According to a May report from the CDC, there has been a troubling drop in childhood immunizations. The CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend that children stay on track with their well-child appointments and routine vaccinations – even during COVID-19.
So as schools continue to re-open for in-person learning and as warmer weather brings more opportunities for play, be sure to check with your child’s healthcare provider to make sure your child is up-to-date on their vaccinations.
Vaccines are not only safe, they’re among the most successful and cost-effective health tools we have for preventing disease and death. Vaccinating our children is the best way to protect them against 14 serious childhood diseases, including whooping cough and measles.
Your child’s vaccines are covered
If you have a Blue KC medical plan, your policy covers routine, in-network preventive care, including all the immunizations listed below.
Coverage for Childhood Immunizations1
For example, a four year old child would need:
- At least 5 doses of vaccine against diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus
- At least 4 doses of vaccine against polio, Haemophilus Influenzae Type b (Hib)
- At least 3 doses of vaccine against Hepatitis B
- 2 doses of vaccine against measles, mumps, and rubella
- 2 doses of vaccine against varicella
- At least 4 doses of vaccine against pediatric pneumococcal (PCV7)
- 1 dose of vaccine against influenza
- At least one dose of vaccine against Hepatitis A
- 3 doses of vaccine against Rotavirus
- Such other vaccines and dosages as may be prescribed by the State Department of Health
1 Indicates services that are required by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), but are already covered by Blue KC