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Press Release

Independence Blue Cross Earns Statewide Recognition for Immunization Campaign

Philadelphia, PA - July 31, 2007 - The Pennsylvania Immunization Coalition (PAIC) recognized Independence Blue Cross (IBC) for excellence in its immunization education and outreach efforts to increase the use of an important vaccine for newborns and caregivers.

IBC was honored with the PAIC Immunization Champion Award at the Coalition’s awards dinner held last week in coordination with the 13th Annual Pennsylvania Immunization Conference. Immunization Champion Awards were presented to the individuals and organizations who work to overcome immunization barriers and other state or community challenges to promote and enhance immunizations for residents of Pennsylvania.

“Immunization awareness is just one of many ways we work to improve access to quality, affordable health care in the region, promote community wellness, and improve the health of our members,” says Dr. Esther Nash, senior medical director of population health and wellness at Independence Blue Cross. “That’s why we are extremely honored to have earned this award.”

As a result of its intense efforts to increase immunization rates, IBC’s 2006 HMO/POS immunization rates exceeded the national averages for both childhood immunizations and adolescent immunizations.

PAIC awarded IBC for its collaborative work with the Philadelphia Department of Health to reduce the rising incidence of pertussis, otherwise known as whooping cough, which is particularly dangerous in newborns. However, whooping cough is currently on the rise among adolescents and people of all ages, which is why the country’s leading immunization experts on the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recently recommended an expanded use of the vaccine to treat tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis, known as Tdap.

In response to the regional data provided by the Philadelphia health department and the ACIP expanded recommendation for the Tdap vaccine, IBC deployed a comprehensive, educational approach to increase awareness of this vaccine-preventable disease. IBC enhanced communication to members and participating providers by:

  • Providing information on IBC’s website, telephone outreach, and targeted immunization mailings to pregnant mothers enrolled in the company’s Baby BluePrints maternity education program.
  • Specialized training for IBC’s perinatal nurse case managers to discuss the importance of the vaccine with high-risk pregnant members.
  • Adding new information about pertussis vaccination with Tdap to member reminders about childhood vaccines.
  • Providing clinical information through IBC’s Clinical Update Magazine, an electronic newsletter for network providers, alerting them to ACIP recommendations for the expanded use of Tdap.
  • Encouraging providers to participate in the city health department’s KIDS Immunization Registry. The registry is an electronic database that records pediatric immunizations for children residing in Philadelphia County. The Philadelphia health department uses the information to identify under-immunized children and target them through outreach interventions.

IBC continues to support and promote the importance of all immunizations for all members as needed and with providers. General information on immunizations is available through IBC’s corporate website and member portal www.ibxpress.com, while other specific immunization campaigns for influenza and pneumococcal are conducted annually in the Fall. Members may also contact a Health Coach at any time for specific information on Pertussis, vaccines, and other health concerns.

About Independence Blue Cross
Independence Blue Cross is a leading health insurer in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Nationwide, Independence Blue Cross and its affiliates provide coverage to nearly 3.4 million people. For nearly 70 years, Independence Blue Cross has offered high-quality health care coverage tailored to meet the changing needs of members, employers, and health care professionals.

In 2006, Independence Blue Cross was nationally recognized by the Disease Management Association of America for Connections SM, its outstanding program that improves the health and well-being of people with chronic illnesses. Independence Blue Cross’s HMO and PPO health care plans have consistently received the highest ratings from the National Committee for Quality Assurance.

 

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