Hi, I am a 21 year old female college student. I never got a meningitis vaccine, but I've been advised I should, so I'm going to. Do insurances generally cover this type of vaccine, or no? If they don't, do you think it will be cheaper at my school or with my general physician? I have blue cros/ blue shield PPO insurance through my dad's work- UPS.
Also, is there any other vaccines I need, or would beneficial for me to get at this time/age? I got all my childhood vaccines, but I really don't know when's the last time I had a tetnus shot or any hepatitis vaccines, or even if I need more...and I've moved around a lot in the past, so I'm not entirely sure how to find that stuff out.
I've heard about the HPV vaccine, but I'm kind of wary of it being so new and all.
Thanks for any advice or tips.
2006-12-27 11:42:07 · 5 answers · asked by neverneverland 4 in Health ➔ Other - Health
The meningitis vaccine is usually covered by insurance, so the cost shouldn't be an issue. If it isn't covered, call the local health department or your student health center; you may be able to get it at a reduced cost. Your physician will charge for the office visit and the shot - the others may not charge for the visit, and the government gets a cheaper price on vaccines.
I would say that you need a tetanus shot. If you got your shots when you were supposed to, you last got a tetanus shot when you were 11 or 12. You should get a tetanus shot every ten years, so it is time. The new vaccine recommendation is that you get Tdap, which is the old tetanus/diphtheria shot, plus a pertussis booster.
As for the HPV vaccine, as an epidemiologist, I strongly encourage you to get it. Check with your insurance first though, as it is nearly $400 for the three-shot series. You insurance may or may not cover it, as it is a new vaccine. A quick web search found that some Blue Cross plans cover it, so you should check first.
2006-12-27 17:33:26 · answer #1 · answered by westbound98 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Meningitis vaccines are generally covered by insurance, especially since you are a college student and it is encouraged to get this vaccine. A flu shot would probably be a good idea. Everyone gets a tetanus shot when they are a small child, and you should have a booster every 10 years. You can have a titer drawn at your doctor's office to be sure you are immune against hepatitis. If not, you'll get the the series again. At your age, I would encourage you to get the HPV vaccine. It won't hurt and it will prevent cervical cancer.
2006-12-27 12:40:18 · answer #2 · answered by zimmiesgrl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would get the HPV vaccine for sure as HPV is very common these days and can turn into cancer in many cases. Anything that might prevent a form of cancer is something I would do in a heartbeat. Tetnus is also something to get if it has been at least 5-7 years since your last one.
2006-12-27 11:48:53 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get what you can at your school. Try a county clinic for the rest of them. Innoculations are not something to file an insurance claim over as your rates will increase eventually.
2006-12-27 11:50:35 · answer #4 · answered by beez 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask your doctor.
2006-12-27 12:02:24 · answer #5 · answered by robert m 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋