Department of Financial Services, Consumer eViews Volume 7 Number 33
August 13, 2010
Sean
Shaw, Insurance Consumer Advocate
In recognition of National Immunization Awareness Month and the upcoming school
year, Insurance
Consumer
Advocate Sean Shaw would like to encourage consumers to get immunized.
Immunizations are one of the greatest public health achievements of the 20th
century, and consumers should consider taking advantage of the vaccines
available to them.
Vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect the population from infectious diseases. By staying up-to-date on recommended vaccines, consumers can protect themselves, family, friends, and their community from dangerous diseases. Vaccinations should begin after birth and continue throughout life.
Consumers should note that under the new federal health care law, immunizations are included as preventative services for women and children. Under the law, new health plans will be required to cover the standard vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Consumers should refer to their policy or contact their agent to verify immunization coverage.
Immunizations are available to consumers through their primary care physician, public health department, and some pharmacies. For more information regarding immunization schedules, recommendations, and guidelines, consumers should visit the Center for Disease Control’s website http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/events/niam/default.htm.
Consumers that have any additional questions regarding immunizations or immunization coverage should contact the Division of Consumer Services within the Department of Financial Services on-line at http://www.myfloridacfo.com/Consumers/ or by phone at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (1-877-693-5236), toll-free in Florida, and (850) 413-3089 from out of state.
The Insurance Consumer Advocate is appointed by Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink and is committed to finding solutions to insurance issues facing Floridians, calling attention to questionable insurance practices, promoting a viable insurance market responsive to the needs of Florida’s diverse population and assuring that rates are fair and justified.