Immunization Awareness Month: Information for Medicare Patients
http://medicare.gov · 1 800 – MEDICARE
Sources: Medicare.gov, Centers For Disease Control
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) normally covers:
One flu shot per flu season. Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness. Serious outcomes of flu infection can result in hospitalization or death. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year.
Vaccines for hepatitis. People with Medicare at high or medium risk for Hepatitis B are covered. Hepatitis B is a serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the liver. The virus, which is called hepatitis B virus (HBV), can cause lifelong infection, cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver cancer, liver failure, and death.
Your risk for Hepatitis B increases if you have hemophilia, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), diabetes, or certain conditions that lower your resistance to infection. Other factors may also increase your risk for Hepatitis B. Check with your doctor to see if you’re at high or medium risk for Hepatitis B.
A pneumococcal shot to prevent pneumococcal infections (like certain types of pneumonia). Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, sometimes referred to as pneumococcus. Pneumococcus can cause many types of illnesses, including ear infections and meningitis. There are vaccines to prevent pneumococcal disease in children and adults.
Most people only need this preventive shot once in their lifetime. Talk with your doctor or other health care provider to see if you need the shot.