Airborne Viruses: Types, Transmission, and Prevention
Parents' Guide To Vaccines Schedules: Keeping Children Safe
By YOUR HEALTH
Just before children reach 2 years old, they could already be potentially exposed to up to 14 serious diseases. That's 14 diseases that could be fatal or have devastating effects that will affect them throughout life.
That's where vaccines come into play and the protective shield they provide literally last from cradle to grave. It is important for parents to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommended immunization schedule to protect infants from 14 such diseases before their second birthday.
The CDC sets the recommended immunization schedule as part of its efforts to promote and protect the health of everyone—from the time they are born until adulthood—against vaccine preventable diseases. Not only is CDC's recommended immunization schedule safe, but it has proven to be effective in protecting infants and children from highly contagious diseases.
The schedule for childhood immunization has also received approval from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Approving the schedule for adult vaccination are the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American College of Physicians, and the American College of Nurse-Midwives.
It is often asked if an infant needs to get vaccinated right after birth and the answer is a resounding yes. Medical experts who have developed the immunization schedule have closely considered the timing to obtain vaccines to prevent compromising the health of newborns from life-threatening illnesses.
Parents are discouraged from delaying their children vaccinations since this will make them more vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases that can sometimes lead to health complications.
Vaccination is considered as one of the best babyproofing plans and the earlier infants gets one, the better they will be able to fight off diseases that they may get from either exposure to anyone with a weakened immune system or during a disease outbreak.
Health care providers both at the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp.'s Immunization Clinic and private medical clinics in the CNMI can help parents get anyone eligible to get vaccinated. They can also help parents catch up with their children's immunization schedule should there be a delay in getting one.
To see the schedule, visit the following links:
https://www.Cdc.Gov/vaccines/schedules/easy-to-read/child-easyread.Html
https://www.Cdc.Gov/vaccines/schedules/easy-to-read/adolescent-easyread.Html
Information and resources about vaccines are also available online from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.Cdc.Gov/vaccines/parents; the American Academy of Pediatrics at www.Healthychidlren.Org; Immunize.Org at www.Vaccineinformation.Org and at Vaccinate Your Family at www.Vaccinateyourfamily.Org
Why Enrolling In Medicare Part D Is Important
Toni,
I was told to receive a shingles vaccination. I need to be enrolled in a Part D prescription drug plan for the vaccination to have a $0 copay or pay $200. I thought all vaccinations and immunizations are covered at no cost under Medicare Part B.
Can you explain this Medicare rule? Thank you.
— Carl from Lubbock, Texas
Carl,
On Jan. 1, 2023, the Inflation Reduction Act eliminated all out-of-pocket costs for vaccines recommended for adults by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. This important Medicare change went into effect whether you have drug coverage from a stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan or from a Medicare Advantage plan with Part D coverage. The shingles vaccine, also known as Shingrix, is included at no cost.
Carl, I hope you are enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan, or you will have to pay more than $200 per dose for Shingrix, which the Food and Drug Administration approved in 2017. Not being enrolled in a Part D or Advantage plan with Part D coverage is why you were told you might have to pay over $200 per dose for the vaccine.
It is very important for those leaving employer group health insurance after 65 or enrolling in Medicare for the first time (when turning 65 or before 65, if eligible) to be sure to enroll in a Medicare Part D stand-alone prescription drug plan, with or without a Medicare supplement, or a Medicare Advantage plan with Part D. Having the shingles shot covered with a $0 copay is an important reason Americans should enroll in a Medicare Part D plan when eligible.
Those with a Medicare Part D plan can receive their shingles vaccine at the pharmacy or doctor's office. If you have trouble affording the Medicare Part D prescription drug premium, you may qualify for Medicare's Extra Help program that assists people with limited income and assets to pay premiums and out-of-pocket costs for Part D drug coverage.
Page 50 of the 2024 "Medicare and You" handbook explains how flu, hepatitis, pneumonia and COVID-19 vaccines are covered under Medicare Part B. Shots are covered under Medicare and you won't pay anything for the shot as long as your doctor or other health care provider accepts Medicare assignment. Always verify your doctor is accepting Medicare assignment.
The "Medicare and You" handbook states that Medicare Part B will cover vaccines to prevent:
— Influenza, currently the seasonal flu shot (page 42).
— Hepatitis B if you are at medium or high risk (page 42).
— Pneumococcal shots for pneumonia (page 48).
— COVID-19 vaccines and testing (page 37).
On page 50, the handbook also says that, for shots not covered under Medicare Part B, Part D generally covers all other recommended adult immunizations to prevent illness (like shingles, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis and respiratory syncytial virus, aka RSV) at no cost to you. The handbook advises you to, if your shot is not on the Medicare list, ask for a coverage exception and to talk with your doctor about which immunizations are right for you.
Part B will cover other immunizations, but only if you are exposed to a disease or condition, such as a tetanus shot if injured by a rusty nail or rabies if bitten by a dog or strange animal.
It amazes me how Medicare can make a simple medical issue such as getting a vaccine so complicated. Remember, with Medicare, it's what you don't know that will hurt you.
Toni King is an author and columnist on Medicare and health insurance issues. She has spent nearly 30 years as a top sales leader in the field. If you have a Medicare question, email info@tonisays.Com or call 832-519-8664. Toni's books and her newsletter are available at tonisays.Com. Toni's new "Confused about Medicare" video series is now available for purchase at tonisays.Com, as are Toni's "Medicare Survival Guide" and discounted bundle package.
Indian Women's Guide To Cervical Cancer Prevention
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What is Cervical Cancer? Cervical cancer primarily targets middle-aged women, and its prevalence is influenced by factors like persistent high-risk HPV infection, low socioeconomic conditions, compromised immunity, and smoking. Despite its severity, cervical cancer is preventable and highly curable when detected early (2✔ ✔Trusted SourceCervical CancerGo to source). A crucial aspect is the extended pre-invasive phase, lasting 10–15 years, providing a unique opportunity for early detection and intervention.Advertisement
Cervical Cancer Vaccine The imminent inclusion of the cervical cancer vaccine in the universal immunization program is a monumental step. HPV vaccination for girls in the nine to 14 age group is projected to commence this year. Early vaccination not only prevents the initiation and progression of cervical cancer but also contributes to a reduction in mortality rates.Did You Know? Cervical cancer, the second most common cancer in Indian women, can be prevented and cured if detected early. Stay informed, get vaccinated, and encourage others to do the same! The Government of India has also implemented cancer screening through the National Program for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS). Screening tools like visual tests and HPV tests are simple, yet there's a need for robust awareness campaigns. Indigenous HPV test kits and vaccines, coupled with innovative developments like single-dose vaccination and AI technologies, offer hope for scaling up preventive measures.
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Challenges in Detection and Treatment of Cervical Cancer Despite the promising developments, challenges persist in the detection and treatment of cervical cancer. A significant gap lies in awareness, evidenced by a population-based study showing that 68% of patients initially sought help from traditional healers. Additionally, only 3% had received the HPV vaccine. The projected increase in cancer cases and the leakage from screening to treatment steps highlight the urgency for comprehensive solutions. WHO's Three-Pronged Approach to Eliminate Cervical Cancer The World Health Organization (WHO) advocates a clear strategy to eliminate cervical cancer globally. Widespread HPV vaccination, efficient screening, and early diagnosis and treatment constitute the three pillars. The proposed targets, including 90% of girls fully vaccinated, 70% of women screened at crucial ages, and 90% of women with cervical pre-cancer receiving treatment, underscore the urgency and ambition of the global campaign.To truly eliminate cervical cancer, a multifaceted approach is imperative. Strengthening population-level awareness, overcoming vaccine hesitancy, promoting age-appropriate screening, and enhancing pre-cancer treatment processes are vital. Additionally, partnerships at various levels, digital interventions, and efficient communication can bridge gaps in care pathways and contribute to a cohesive strategy.
As India strides toward eliminating cervical cancer, consistency in screening programs, technological advancements, and financial support for cancer care are essential. Strengthening cancer registries, reducing the financial burden on patients, and early integration of palliative care services form key components of this journey. Collaborations with NGOs, innovators, and public health professionals can amplify the impact of these initiatives.
Connecting all aspects of patient care pathways, ensuring swift and accurate diagnosis, and leveraging digital technologies are paramount. Follow-up reminders, palliative care integration, and collaborative research efforts further fortify the fight against cervical cancer. It's through collective efforts and unwavering partnerships that India can envision and realize a future free from the burden of cervical cancer.
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