Medicare Preventive Services
Hepatitis B Shots
Few things are more important than preventive care when it comes to maintaining your health. Regular checkups and diagnostic procedures are the key to detecting many health concerns in their earliest stages, when the prognosis and chances for a full recovery are best.
Especially when it comes to such a serious condition as Hepatitis B, the earlier it’s detected, the better. Knowing early what you’re dealing with can make all the difference when you and your doctor or practitioner decide what course of action you should take.
Dealing with a problem early usually means you have several viable options to choose from and an excellent chance of success. Early detection is likely to help your pocketbook as well. Not only can preventive care save your life, it can save you thousands of dollars.
Hepatitis B
Normally spread from one person to another through blood and body fluids, Hepatitis B primarily attacks the liver. In the United States, the leading causes of Hepatitis B transmission are sexual contact and injection drug use.
Symptoms of Hepatitis B include loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, rashes, joint pain, and jaundice. Left untreated, Hepatitis B can lead to liver disease and liver cancer.
Nearly a third of persons infected with the Hepatitis B virus show no obvious symptoms and may be unaware they are carrying the virus. These people may unknowingly spread the disease to others.
Hepatitis B Shots
If you are at medium or high risk for Hepatitis B, Medicare will cover your Hepatitis B shots. Your risk for Hepatitis B increases if you have hemophilia, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or certain conditions that increase your risk for infection. Being a healthcare worker or living with someone who has Hepatitis B can also increase your risk for Hepatitis B. Consult your doctor to determine whether you are at medium or high risk and whether Hepatitis B shots are right for you.
Three shots are required for complete protection.
Under Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B) you pay nothing for the shots if you are eligible to receive them. A doctor must determine that you should receive the shots.
Effectiveness and Risk
Hepatitis B shots are considered 95% effective. Side effects, if any, are usual mild. Some pain, tenderness, and low-grade fever may result in the area where the shot was given.
Less than one in 10,000 people receiving Hepatitis B shots may experience a serious, sometimes life-threatening, allergic response.
Allegations that the Hepatitis B vaccine causes multiple sclerosis are unfounded and have been discredited.
Most people do not react negatively to the shots. Nearly two thirds experience no side effects or reactions at all.
An estimated 1.25 million Americans are chronic carries of the Hepatitis B virus. Nearly a third of those people had no known risk factors. If your doctor determines you are at risk and should be vaccinated, Medicare makes it easy.
Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage Plans, and Medicare Supplement Plans can all go a long way toward providing the preventive care you need to maintain your good health.
If you have further questions about Medicare preventive services or any other aspect of Medicare, contact MedicareMall now and let us lead you with confidence through the Medicare maze!