Aetna Encourages Preteen Immunizations

Aetna (NYSE:AET) is reminding parents about the importance of preteen immunizations. Aetna’s internal research shows that parents who receive reminder notices and follow up phone calls from their health plan are statistically more likely to have their teens vaccinated compared with a control group that did not receive proactive outreach. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most teens and preteens have not had all of the recommended vaccinations. None of the target vaccination goals established in the Healthy People 2010 report for this age group are currently being met.

"Even as the health care reform discussion continues, there are steps we can take right now to improve our own health care,” said Lonny Reisman, MD, chief medical officer at Aetna. "One such step is to follow through on evidence-based recommendations for vaccinations. Parents should discuss their child’s immunizations at each doctor’s visit, including yearly checkups and physical exams required for school or sports programs.” Reisman recommends keeping track of immunizations in an electronic personal health record. "A personal health record helps you and your physician keep your family’s immunizations on schedule. It is particularly helpful if you move or change doctors as it can prevent your child from getting duplicate vaccinations.”

To improve preteen vaccination rates, Aetna sends plan members caring for children ages eleven and twelve information on vaccinations. The reminder notices are available in English and Spanish and include an immunization schedule listing vaccines children need before age thirteen and a list of credible resources members can consult for more information.

Vaccines recommended for 11- and 12- year-olds

Tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis (Tdap)
Protects against: tetanus (lockjaw) and diphtheria and whooping cough
1 shot — between ages 11 and 12 years old

Meningococcal (MCV4)
Protects against meningitis
1 shot — between ages 11 and 12 years old

Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Protects against cervical cancer (for females only)
3 shots — first shot between ages 11 and 12 years old;
second shot 2 months after the first shot; and the third shot 6 months after the first shot

Varicella (chicken pox)
Protects against chicken pox
1 additional shot
(Second shot is recommended for anyone who previously received only one dose)

Seasonal influenza vaccine
Protects against the seasonal flu
One shot (or nasal spray) each flu season

Special note: H1N1 influenza vaccine
This year, persons between the ages of 6 months through 24 years are among the priority groups recommended for protection against H1N1 (swine) flu. It is currently not known whether one or two doses of the vaccine will be needed.

Based on recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) as of 4/30/09.

Helpful resources consumers can rely on for evidence-based information about immunizations and vaccinations include:

National Immunization Program
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 1-800-311-3435 www.cdc.gov/vaccines

Vaccine information
Immunization Action Coalition 1-651-647-9009 www.vaccineinformation.org

Ten tips for evaluating immunization information on the Internet
The United States Department of Health and Human Services www.hhs.gov/nvpo/tips.htm

"Preteen immunizations not only protect preteens, but also the people who interact with them,” according to H. Robert Harrison, MD, MPH, a pediatrician, epidemiologist, and infectious diseases consultant practicing in Atlanta who serves on Aetna’s Physician Advisory Board. "We are seeing a resurgence of whooping cough, especially in preteens and adolescents, the presence of which in a family can result in infection and death of infant siblings. Influenza poses a serious risk for both grandparents and infants in the family of the preteen, with potential pneumonia or death. Meningococcal disease can be life threatening for preteens, and papillomaviruses in young women can cause a lifetime of genital and reproductive problems, not to mention cervical cancer. Vaccines are safe and effective. They are a preventive care opportunity that should never be missed.”

"Parents often forget about the importance of keeping their children’s immunizations up to date after they complete the series required to start school,” added Russell C. Libby, MD, a Virginia pediatrician who participates on Aetna’s Physician Advisory Board. "Vaccines are the most effective and safe way to protect your child, family, and community from potentially severe and life threatening disease. I urge parents to take advantage of their health insurance benefits for vaccine coverage, and to call your doctor’s office to find out what your child may need to be protected.”

The preteen immunization reminder is one of six annual member mailings Aetna sends to health plan members to keep them up-to-date with the latest information. Aetna works throughout the year to educate and encourage members to follow through on important wellness milestones and screening tests. When Aetna detects specific deficiencies or regional variations, it puts additional programs in place to reinforce the educational message.

About Aetna

Aetna is one of the nation’s leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving approximately 36.8 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, group life and disability plans, and medical management capabilities and health care management services for Medicaid plans. Our customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans, governmental units, government-sponsored plans, labor groups and expatriates. For more information, see www.aetna.com.