TO OUR ADULT PATIENTS
RE:  RECOMMENDED IMMUNIZATIONS

The following immunizations are recommended, and may be obtained at this office, subject to the conditions stated below, and after you have discussed the matter with your family physician or internist.

1) Influenza Vaccine, yearly in September or October.
2) Pneumovax, initially and every 6 years thereafter.
3) New Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Vaccine: for those 60 years or older.
4) New DPT Vaccine
5) New  GARDASIL (Human papillomavirus vaccine), for women ages 18-26 years. (We will defer entirely to the primary care physician regarding this).

PLEASE NOTE:  MEDICARE AND OTHER INSURANCE PLANS MAY NOT COVER THE COST OF THE SHINGLES VACCINE, WHICH COSTS APPROXIMATELY $160.  And, if they do cover the cost at some level, reimbursement to us may not be for the full cost of the vaccine.  Therefore, you will need to purchase the vaccine from your pharmacist, with a prescription from us or from your family physician or internist…and it may be administered by him/her or by us.  Any accompanying office visit will be charged to your insurance carrier, as usual. 
PLEASE NOTE:  This is not for immunocompromised patients, including any persons who are having or who have had cancer chemotherapy or radiation therapy.  For these patients, please check with your oncologist.

6) New Adacel (Diphtheria, Pertussus, Tetanus) Vaccine:

For those age 11 – 64 years.  Beyond age 64, at discretion of patient and physician (“off-label”).
Caution re.  intramuscular use in bleeding disorders or with concomitant Coumadin therapy.
PLEASE NOTE:  MEDICARE AND OTHER INSURANCE PLANS MAY NOT COVER THE COST, WHICH IS APPROXIMATELY $45.   The approach described above for obtaining the vaccine applies to this situation also.

THE MOST IMPORTANT MESSAGE IS THAT YOU OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN PROPER AVAILABLE IMMUNIZATIONS.

Please discuss the above with your primary care physician and with us at your next visit.

Thank you.

George A. Sprecace, M.D., J.D.