July 2019

The Importance of the ‘Catch-Up’ Immunization Schedule

Although declared eliminated in 2000, measles cases are on the rise in the U.S. and in Texas with over 1,000 cases nationally this year. Measles are largely preventable because two doses of the vaccine is 97% effective.¹ In fact, according to the World Health Organization, vaccines prevent more than 6 million deaths worldwide annually and have decreased the illness burden in the U.S. by 99% for the nine conditions that vaccinations have been consistently recommended. Vaccines are highly effective for preventing disease if administered before exposure. In fact, only a clean water supply is more effective as a measure to prevent disease.²

As summer ends and school begins, providers should ensure their patients are up to date with their immunizations, including those for measles. Doing so is imperative to keeping kids safe from preventable childhood diseases. Providers should also ensure patients are educated about the safety of modern vaccines and the risks associated with not getting immunized.

Patients may fall behind on their immunizations for a variety of reasons. Depending upon their age, older children may need boosters or additional immunizations to protect them from preventable diseases. When children present to your office behind on vaccines, we recommend following a schedule to get them current and caught up on their immunizations. The CDC immunization schedule defines immunizations recommended by the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Disease. These immunization schedules are based on age and reference the catch-up schedule for patients who are behind on their immunizations. The recommended immunization schedules and the catch-up immunization schedule have been approved by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Best Practice Summary

1. Evaluate each patient’s immunization status at each visit.
2. Follow the CDC’s immunization schedule.
3. Follow the catch-up guidance from the CDC for patients who are behind on their immunizations.
4. Provide Vaccine Information Statements (VIS) to patients or their parents/guardians. VISs are information sheets produced by the CDC that explain both the benefits and risks of vaccines. Federal law requires that health care staff provide a VIS to a patient, parent or legal representative before each dose of certain vaccines. Learn more at cdc.gov/vaccines.
5. Educate parents and patients about the importance of immunizations for optimal health outcomes.
6. Reach out to patients who are due for immunizations to schedule their visit, and complete preventive health screenings and services.

Resources

Reference and review BCBSTX’s Preventive Care Guidelines and Clinical Practice Guidelines, and the Texas Health Steps for Providers website for more information on this and other important topics for treating your patients.

References:
¹Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Measles Vaccination, Feb. 5, 2018.
² Anon. Impact of vaccines universally recommended for children. 1900–1998. Mortal Morb Wkly Rep 1999; 48: 243-8.