Pneumococcal Immunizations

Pneumococcal disease is a serious disease that causes much sickness and death. In fact, pneumococcal disease kills more people in the U.S. each year than all other vaccine-preventable diseases combined. Anyone can get the disease and older adults are at high risk.

Most patients will only require the pnuemococcal vaccination once in their lifetime. For Medicare Part B beneficiaries, no cost is associated with the vaccination. If a patient is determined to be at risk, additional vaccinations that are required may also be covered. MPRO encourages physicians’ offices to promote this preventive service.

Resources

• Medicare Preventive Services: Quick Reference Information
www.cms.hhs.gov

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
www.cdc.gov/vaccines

• Michigan Department of Community Health
www.michigan.gov/immunize

• Michigan Care Improvement Registry
www.mcir.org