November 2016

Texas Health Steps: Immunization Education

In October we reviewed the required comprehensive unclothed exam. Immunization status is another important element for Texas Health Steps and well-child exams. According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, immunization status must be assessed and vaccines administered according to the current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations.

Access the ACIP immunization schedule. 

Immunizations must be administered at the time of the checkup unless medically contraindicated or parental reasons of conscience, including religious beliefs. Immunizations medically contraindicated at the time of the screening may be rescheduled at an appropriate time.

Important information for providers:

• Assess immunization status at each medical checkup.
• Providers are to provide vaccinations to their panel in their offices and are not to refer clients to other entities or practitioners.
• Providers may obtain vaccines at no cost from the Texas Vaccines for Children (TVFC) Program, for client’s ages birth through 18 years of age. In turn, the client receives the vaccinations at no cost.
• Medicaid does not reimburse for vaccines available through TVFC. 
• Use diagnosis code Z23 to indicate immunization administration.
• Administer according to the ACIP unless:
• Medically contraindicated, or
• Parent’s reason of conscience (including religious beliefs)