Quality Quotes
Immunization Updates
The new 2006 Immunization Schedule for Children and Adolescents was released on January 9,
2006, and can be accessed at either of the following websites: www.cdc.gov/nip or www. aap.org.
The 2006 schedule refl ects several changes from the 2005 schedule including the following:
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Hepatitis A vaccine is now recommended for universal administration to all infants 12 to
23 months of age. The two doses in the series should be administered at least six
months apart.
A single dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4), a vaccine to prevent
sepsis and meningitis, is recommended for 11- to 12-year-olds, for unvaccinated
adolescents at high school entry or 15 years of age and for college freshmen who will be
living in a dormitory.
A single dose of an adolescent preparation of tetanus and diphtheria toxoids and
acellular pertussis (Tdap) is recommended for 11- to 12- year-olds, provided they have
completed the childhood series and have not yet received the Td booster. Adolescents
aged 13-18 years who missed the 11-12 year Td/Tdap booster dose and have completed
the childhood series • • • should also receive a single dose of Tdap.
The importance of the birth dose of Hepatitis B has been emphasized. Vaccination of
infants born to Hepatitis B surface antigennegative mothers can be delayed in rare
circumstances, but only if a physician’s order to withhold the vaccine and a copy of the
mother’s original HBsAg-negative laboratory report are documented in the infant’s
medical record.
Influenza vaccine is now recommended for children aged six months and older with
certain risk factors, which now specifically include conditions that can compromise
respiratory function or handling of respiratory secretions or that can increase the risk of
aspiration. The catch-up schedule for persons aged 7-18 years has been changed for Td;
Tdap may be substituted for any doses in a primary catchup series or as a booster if age
appropriate for Tdap. A five-year interval from the last Td dose is encouraged when Tdap
is used as a booster dose.
Help Boost Chlamydial Screening Rates
Bacterial sexually transmitted diseases, including Chlamydia, are more common than ever.
Chlamydia is one of the most widespread STDs in the United States. It is estimated that there are
2.8 million new cases annually. Most infections affect sexually active adolescents and young
adults.
Chlamydia is usually asymptomatic. It may remain untreated for fairly long periods of time. This
can lead to serious complications and transmission of disease to partners. If this condition goes
without treatment, it may result in infertility, ectopic pregnancy and chronic pain.
The current First Priority Health HEDIS® (Health Plan Employer Data and Information Set) rate
indicates Chlamydia screening rates are below optimal levels in females of 16 - 25 years of age
(at 15.66%). Improvement in this screening will help to ensure better reproductive health in young
women. Prevention, early treatment and screening are vital in battling serious complications and
promoting better health. Together, we can make the difference in women’s health.
HEDIS® is a registered trademark of the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).
Clinical Practice Guideline Update
The following Clinical Practice Guidelines have been updated:
12-8-05:
 Cholesterol Screening;
 Cholesterol Management, Secondary Prevention; and
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Medical Management of Bipolar Disorder During the Maintenance Phase of Treatment in
the Outpatient Setting.
Practice Guidelines are available on BCNEPA’s Provider Center under the Quality Management
Section, accessible via the webbased NaviNet system or via www.bcnepa.com with a secure
provider password. If you would like to request a hard copy of the guidelines, please call Ann
Marie Wheeler at 570 200-4377, weekdays, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. If you would like to obtain a
secure provider password, please contact Provider Relations with the following information:
 Name (first and last);
 Group or practice name;
 Type of practitioner (primary vs. specialist);
 E-mail address or fax address; and
 Challenge prompt and response (i.e., mother’s maiden name, dog’s name, etc.). This
information is required for security reasons.