Heptavalent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine
A 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine has been introduced by Wyeth Lederle for use in children. The FDA has approved of this protein-polysaccharide conjugate vaccine for prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease in infants and toddlers.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC’s ACIP recommended pneumococcal polyvalent vaccine for routine use in all children 2 and under, and for black, Alaskan Native, and Native American toddlers up to age 5, as well as for those with sickle-cell anemia, HIV infection, or other immunodeficiency diseases. For infants, the AAP and ACIP recommends that the vaccine be given in 4 doses at 2, 4, 6, and 12 to 15 months for children who are 7 to 11 months, 3 doses for children who are 12 to 23 months, 2 doses and for children 2 years or older, only 1 dose is needed. See table below.
| Age range | |
|---|---|
| 24 to 59 | 1 |
Pneumococcus is the most frequent cause of otitis media, pneumonia, and bacteremia in children, as well as the principle cause of childhood bacterial meningitis. The most susceptible to pneumococcal diseases are children less than 2 years old. Standard pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines are poorly immunogenic in this age group. The new protein-polysaccharide conjugate vaccine is immunogenic during infancy and is capable of providing long-term immunity.
How Pneumococcal Vaccines Work
Streptococcus pneumoniae is a kind of bacteria that causes pneumococcal disease. Besides pneumonia, this bacteria may also cause other serious diseases that include meningitis and bacteremia, according to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. All of these diseases have been associated with high fatality rates, particularly in vulnerable populations. The bacteria can spread through respiratory droplets .
The CDC says that there are currently two vaccines that have been approved for use to help you develop an immunity to this bacteria:
- Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccination PPSV23: This vaccine is commonly suggested for adults over 65 or with certain risk factors.
- Pneumococcal conjugate vaccination PCV13:This vaccine is recommended for adults who are over 65.
In some cases, the CDC recommends a second dose of PPSV23, but at least five years should elapse between doses. Also, both vaccines may be recommended for certain adults with risk factors for developing one of the diseases.
Vaccine Coverage Through Medicare Part D
Generally, Medicare prescription drug coverage covers all commercially available vaccines needed to prevent illness. To be safe, you should always check with your plans Member Services team first if youre thinking about getting a specific vaccine.
You can get Part D coverage through a stand-alone prescription drug plan, or through a Medicare health plan like Medicare Advantage. If you dont have prescription drug coverage, you might have to pay full price for the other vaccines you need or want.
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What Is The Cpt Code For Flu Vaccine For Medicare
Medicare requires use of HCPCSd codes for the management of the vaccines that they cover preventively, together with influenza vaccine. HCPCS code G0008 should be used when billing Medicare for the management of influenza vaccines, regardless of affected person age or supplier counseling.
How do I bill my flu shot 2020?
Is flu shot lined by way of Medicare Part B or D? Medicare Part B covers one flu shot each flu season.
Is CPT 90670 coated by way of Medicare?
Medicare Part B supplies preventive coverage most effective for sure vaccines. These include: Influenza: as soon as per flu season Pneumococcal:
Flu And Pneumonia Shots
Having the flu can be dangerous for anyone. But it is extra risky for people with diabetes or other chronic health problems. Having diabetes means having more instances of high blood sugar than a person without diabetes. High blood sugar hinders your white blood cells ability to fight infections.
Beyond people living with diabetes, flu is also extra risky for people with heart disease, smokers and those with chronic lung disease, people who have an impaired immune system , very young children, and people living in very close quarters, such as college dorms, military barracks, or nursing homes.
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Medicare And Pneumonia Vaccinations
There are certain persons who should consider getting vaccinated against pneumococcal infections, as following: babies, people aged over 65 years old, anyone at risk to develop the disease and people suffering from illnesses that make them liable to get infected.
In case you are over 65 years old, this means that you can take advantage of your Medicare insurance plan. But does this cover the costs of the shot or not?
Who Should Get The Pneumonia Shot
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone over the age of 65 which includes most Medicare beneficiaries should get the Pneumovax 23 vaccine.
Who Should Get the Pneumovax 23 Shot?
- All people age 65 or older
- Cigarette smokers between the ages of 19 through 64
- People between 2 and 64 years old with certain medical conditions
The Prevnar 13 vaccine is generally recommended for children younger than 2 years old or for older people with certain medical conditions.
The CDC suggests anyone 65 and older can ask for the Prevnar 13 vaccine if they decide with their doctor that it would be beneficial to them.
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Indications For Tdap Vaccination
In addition to the standalone tetanus shot, it is also recommended that you get at least one Tdap booster as an adult, which protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis . It is also recommended during the third trimester of pregnancy.
However, the Tdap vaccine is currently not covered under the Part B benefit and may or may not be covered by your Medicare Advantage plan or Part D plan. Check your plan’s formulary.
Medicare Coverage For The Pneumonia Vaccine
Most preventive vaccines are covered under Part D, the prescription drug part of Medicare. Medicare Part B covers a few specific vaccines, like the two pneumonia vaccines. Medicare Advantage plans, sometimes called Part C, also cover the pneumonia vaccines, along with other vaccines you may need.
If you are enrolled in original Medicare , or a Part C plan, you are automatically eligible for the pneumonia vaccines. Since there are two types of vaccines for pneumonia, you and your doctor will decide if you need one or both vaccines. Well get into the details of the two different types a little later.
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Is It Cheaper To Get A Vaccine At My Doctors Office Or A Pharmacy
You may feel more comfortable getting shots at your healthcare providers office. Your provider knows your patient history and can provide a one-on-one experience. If you choose to get vaccinated at your providers office, keep in mind you may be billed for an office visit in addition to the cost of the shot.
For the COVID-19 vaccine, your provider shouldnt charge you if the vaccine was the only service you received. You should ask for a refund if you believe you were billed in error for the COVID-19 vaccine.
You can also get immunizations against flu, pneumonia, shingles, and other conditions at your local pharmacy. Youll be responsible for any copays or deductibles depending on your prescription drug plan, but you wont have an office visit copay.
Plus, your vaccine record will be kept on file as part of your permanent pharmacy history. When you get vaccinated at your pharmacy, your information is entered into the state immunization registry, which can be accessed by your doctor, Dr. Schaffner says.
Pfizer Vaccines Reimbursement Support Services
The Pfizer Vaccines Reimbursement Support Services, available to both patients and healthcare providers, can be reached at 1-866-744-3198,Monday through Friday, between âââââââ8 AM and 8 PM ET
- Pfizer Vaccines Reimbursement Support Services can help with the following:
- âââââââRoster billing
- Benefits investigation
- Prior authorization support
- âââââââClaims denials/appeals support
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Medicare Advantage Plans May Cover More Vaccines Than Original Medicare
Medicare Advantage plans are sold by private insurance companies as an alternative to Original Medicare.
Every Medicare Advantage plan must provide the same hospital and medical benefits as Medicare Part A and Part B, and most plans include Medicare prescription drug coverage.
MAPDs must help cover a number of commercially available vaccines that arent covered by Original Medicare when reasonably and medically necessary to prevent illness. However, specific rules of administration and costs will vary depending on the Medicare Advantage plan you enroll in.
A licensed insurance agent can help you compare Medicare Advantage plans in your area, including what vaccinations may be covered.
Find Medicare plans that cover your vaccinations
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About the author
Christian Worstell is a licensed insurance agent and a Senior Staff Writer for MedicareAdvantage.com. He is passionate about helping people navigate the complexities of Medicare and understand their coverage options.
His work has been featured in outlets such as Vox, MSN, and The Washington Post, and he is a frequent contributor to health care and finance blogs.
Christian is a graduate of Shippensburg University with a bachelors degree in journalism. He currently lives in Raleigh, NC.
Where you’ve seen coverage of Christian’s research and reports:
What Is The Pneumococcal Vaccine And How Often Should You Get It
Both pneumococcal vaccines approved for use in the United States protect against multiple types of bacteria that can cause pneumonia. The schedule for taking them depends on your age and medical conditions.
Differences Between Pneumococcal Vaccinations
- Pneumovax 23
- Pneumovax 23 protects against 23 types of serious pneumococcal bacterial infections. Most adults will need only one shot of PPSV23 in their lifetime. But the CDC recommends up to two additional shots for adults with certain chronic medical conditions.
- Prevnar 13
- Prevnar 13 protects against the 13 most common types of pneumococcal bacteria that cause the most common serious infections in children and adults. Adults will receive this shot only if they have certain medical conditions and with the advice of their doctor. While children receive seven doses by the time they are 15 months old, adults who get this vaccine will only receive one shot of PCV13 in their lifetime.
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Does Medicare Cover Pneumonia Shots
Medicare Part B typically covers pneumonia shots, which help prevent certain types of pneumonia.
Medicare Advantage plans also cover pneumonia shots. Many Medicare Advantage plans also cover prescription drugs and other benefits that Medicare Part A and Part B don’t cover.
Medicare typically covers 100 percent of the Medicare-approved amount of your pneumococcal vaccine .
Before getting your pneumonia shot, verify with your doctor that it is 100 percent covered by Medicare.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends PPSV23 pneumococcal vaccinations for all adults who are 65 years of age or older.
There are currently two pneumococcal vaccines that have been approved for use for the prevention of pneumonia. Both vaccines are covered under Medicare Part B however, the order in which you receive them matters. Talk to your health care provider to learn more.
Does Medicare Pay For The Pneumonia Vaccine
Medicare Part B will typically cover your first pneumococcal shot at any time. It will typically cover your second shot as long as it’s given at least one year after your first shot.
Medicare Advantage plans are required by law to offer at least the same benefits as Original Medicare .
This means that if Medicare Part B covers your Prevnar 13 shot, so would a Medicare Advantage plan.
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Medicare Part D: Vaccine Coverage
Payment for Part D-covered vaccines and their administration are made solely by the participating prescription drug plan. This includes all preventive vaccines not covered under Medicare Part B.
When providing a Part D covered vaccine to a Medicare patient, the physician should charge the patient for the vaccine and its administration. To facilitate the patient’s reimbursement by his or her Part D plan, the physician’s office should complete a CMS-1500 claim form for the vaccine and administration service and give it to the patient to file as an unassigned, out-of-network claim.Some patients may also request a prescription for preventive vaccines and their administration to meet their Part D plan requirements to have this prescription filled by contracted providers .
Vaccines Covered By Medicare Part B
Medicare Part B covers three important vaccines as part of its preventive care benefits.
Covered vaccines include the following:
- Flu vaccine: Annual vaccine given in one shot before or during flu season, usually November through April
- Pneumonia vaccine: One-time vaccine given in two shots at least one year apart
- Hepatitis B vaccine: One-time vaccine given in two to four shots over one to six months for people who are medium to high risk, including people with diabetes
Part B also covers vaccines you may need if youre exposed to a harmful virus or bacteria by accident. You might need a tetanus shot, for example, if you step on a rusty nail. Or you may need rabies shots if youre bitten by a stray dog.
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Adults Aged 65 Years And Older
A randomized placebo-controlled trial of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine was conducted in about 84,500 adults aged 65 years and older, with no particular risk factors. Four years on average after vaccination, there was no reduction in either mortality or the overall incidence of community-acquired pneumonia. It was necessary to vaccinate about 1,000 individuals in order to prevent 1 case of vaccine-type pneumococcal pneumonia during the 4-year follow-up period .
In 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for use of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine . PCV13 vaccination is no longer routinely recommended for all adults aged 65 years and older. Instead, shared clinical decision-making for PCV13 use is recommended for persons in this age group who do not have an immunocompromising condition, CSF leak, or cochlear implant and who have not previously received PCV13. If a decision to administer PCV13 is made, it should be administered before PPSV23. The recommended intervals between pneumococcal vaccines remain unchanged for adults without an immunocompromising condition, CSF leak, or cochlear implant . PCV13 and PPSV23 should not be co-administered. ACIP continues to recommend PCV13 in series with PPSV23 for adults aged 19 years with immunocompromising conditions, CSF leaks, or cochlear implants .
Which Vaccines Should Older Adults Get And When
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has established a vaccination schedule for adults over 65. Other factors such as medical conditions and your history may affect these recommendations. Check with your doctor about which vaccines youll need.
A typical vaccine schedule for older adults breaks down like this:
Shingles vaccine: The CDC recommends you get two doses of the shingles vaccine Shingrix, 2 to 6 months apart. If you received a different shingles vaccine called Zostavax in the past, you still need the Shingrix vaccine. Zostavax is no longer in use in the United States.
Pneumococcal vaccine: The CDC recommends a single shot of the pneumonia vaccine to those who need it. People with certain chronic medical conditions, such as chronic heart or lung disease, may need one or two additional shots.
Flu vaccine: The flu shot is usually available in early fall, before flu season starts. Every year adults 65 and older should get the flu shot, not a nasal spray vaccine. The CDC also recommends older adults receive the high-dose quadrivalent flu vaccine.
Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis : The CDC recommends adults 65 and older should receive the Tdap vaccine if theyve never had it before, followed by a booster every 10 years. If you need the shot as part of wound management , one dose is recommended.
If youre over 65 and have additional risk factors, you may also need these vaccines:
-
Hepatitis A
-
Meningococcal A, C, W, Y
-
Varicella
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Where Can I Get Vaccines I Need
You can get most vaccines at a pharmacy, doctors office, clinic or community health center. Talk with your doctor about what vaccines you may need. Your doctor or Part D plan provider can also help you understand whether your cost will be affected by where you go to get the vaccines that your doctor recommends.
What Vaccines Does Medicare Cover
Vaccines can become less effective over time. Even individuals fully vaccinated as children may need to update their immunizations. Medicare Parts B and D offer vaccination coverage.
Medicare Part B covers shots for the flu, hepatitis B, pneumococcal , and COVID-19. Medicare covers 100 percent of the cost of these vaccines if you go to an approved provider, and you do not have to pay a deductible or coinsurance. Medicare Advantage plans are also required to provide these vaccines at no additional costs.
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Medicare covers one flu shot per flu season, which runs from November to April, and not the calendar year. For example, if an individual gets a flu shot in January and again in November of the same year, Medicare would pay for both.
Medicare covers two different pneumonia shots. Medicare recipients can get the first shot at any time and it will cover the second shot if it’s administered at least one year after the first shot.
Hepatitis B shots are free for anyone considered medium or high risk for contracting the virus. End-stage renal disease and diabetes are two conditions that place individuals into a higher risk category. A medical professional can help determine an individuals risk level.
Keeping current on your vaccinations is one of the best ways to prevent serious illness and disease. Talk with your doctor to determine what vaccines you need to minimize risks to your health.
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