Welcome from the President and CEO

To your health!

It’s hard to believe the end of summer is just around the corner, and with it comes back-to-school time. Along with backpacks and books, you’ll want to make sure your children are up-to-date with their immunizations.

You can protect them from a number of serious diseases by getting them vaccinated. Childhood immunizations are considered preventive under your health plan and are available at no cost to you.

Here are just a few examples of vaccine-preventable diseases and the vaccines that prevent them:

• Influenza (annual flu vaccination) – Influenza is a highly contagious viral infection of the nose, throat, and lungs. Typical symptoms include a sudden high fever, chills, a dry cough, headache, runny nose, sore throat, and muscle and joint pain.
• Measles (MMR vaccination) – One of the most contagious viral diseases, it starts with fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and sore throat, followed by a rash that spreads over the body.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV vaccination) -- Most common in people in their teens and early 20s, this virus can cause cancer later in life.
• Diphtheria (Tdap vaccination) – A very contagious bacterial disease that affects the respiratory system, including the lungs.

For other examples – and to find out what vaccines your children need — visit CDC’s Recommended Vaccinations for Children (7-18 years old) or Infants and Children (birth through 6 years).

At Tufts Health Plan, we want to make sure every student stays as healthy as possible during the upcoming school year. By getting the necessary immunizations for your children, you’ll put them on the right foot as they head back to the classroom.

Thomas A. Croswell
President & CEO

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