With the coronavirus pandemic continuing to spread across the US, Americans anxiously await the approval of a COVID-19 vaccine. In the meantime, more emphasis has also been placed on getting the annual flu shot to avoid the increased chance of falling ill this winter.
While the flu and COVID-19 vaccines should be seriously considered, adults may also want to revisit their immunizations and determine whether they are up-to-date.
The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has established a recommended schedule of vaccines specifically for adults over the age of 19 who may not be adequately immunized against specific diseases. The following is a list of vaccines that the CDC suggests adults may want to consider adding to their immunization schedule:
- Tetanus, diphtheria, & pertussis – Booster shot every 10 years
- Measles, mumps, & rubella – 1 to 2 doses for those born in 1957 or later who show no evidence of immunity
- Varicella – 2 doses for those born in 1980 or later who show no evidence of immunity
- Zoster recombinant – 2 doses for those 50 years of age or older
- Human papillomavirus – For those between the ages of 27 to 45 years who choose protection
- Pneumococcal – For those at least 65 years old who are immunocompetent
- Hepatitis A or B – 2 or 3 doses for those who choose protection
How to Pay for Immunizations
The CDC offers a recommended schedule of vaccinations for children under the age of 18, and parents may not have to worry about covering their costs. Under the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, immunizations are provided to eligible children at no charge through a participating health care practitioner.
Children who are uninsured, underinsured, qualified for Medicaid, or are American Indian or Alaska Native are eligible for a CDC-recommended immunization without a payment requirement. But how can adults handle the cost of their immunizations?
Americans with a health insurance policy in place may be eligible for vaccination coverage, depending on their specific plan. Unfortunately, health insurance is expensive and inflexible, leaving plan members with hefty bills to pay every billing period. And if you missed the enrollment period, you’ll either find yourself with a plan that no longer suits you or with no coverage at all.
If you have Medicaid, some vaccines may not be covered, and those that are may require a copay or fee, depending on where you live and the doctor who administers the vaccine.
Fortunately, there are alternatives to health insurance that Americans may want to look into, such as health sharing programs. These programs can help you save quite a bit on medical costs. Typically, the voluntary monthly contribution to a health sharing program is substantially less than you would pay for a monthly health insurance premium.
Further, health sharing ministries often pay for immunizations. For instance, with UHSM, a popular health sharing ministry, members with at least 10 consecutive months of memberships are immediately eligible for sharing for CDC-recommended vaccinations.
And with today’s physically-distanced environment, members can also take advantage of telemedicine visits. Annual wellness visits and emergency facilities are also available after 60 days of membership. The 1 million+ Americans who are already enrolled in a health sharing ministry are reaping the rewards of thinking outside the box and finding a better way to share the health!
Health sharing saves money. See how much you can save today.
