Centene has long been dedicated to finding ways to deliver preventative, accessible care that fits the needs of local communities. Health literacy – including prevention and immunization education – is a key focus of Centene’s clinical programs empowering members to make positive health decisions and ultimately improving health outcomes.

Today, vaccination rates in children remain below average compared to pre-pandemic numbers. School closings, missed well-child visits, and vaccine hesitation have disrupted routine child immunizations, critical for prevention of serious illnesses. It is vital to regain pre-pandemic rates. 

To help parents and caregivers gain an understanding of recommended immunizations and schedules for children, several Centene health plans have partnered with Pfizer to launch the Vaccine Adherence in Kids program, or VAKs. The program takes focus on well-child visits, interacting with parents and caregivers through email, text, phone, and mail, encouraging them to schedule appointments and discuss vaccinations with their pediatricians. Because well-child visits are a critical component to monitoring a child’s growth and development, VAKs integrates with the timing of these visits. 

Additionally, Centene’s Start Smart for Your Baby® program provides new parents with comprehensive information about caring for baby after they arrive. This includes timing of well-child visits, assisting new parents in understanding what takes place during these appointments, and the significance they have on their child’s health. Educational materials encourage new parents to foster positive relationships with their providers and help them access the right care at the right time along their child’s developmental journey.  

For both children and adults, Centene’s Fluvention® program provides comprehensive information about the annual influenza (flu) vaccine and how to remain healthy during flu season. The program seeks to drive all members toward vaccination, but takes specific focus on high-risk groups, including pregnant women, children aged six months to five years, members 65 and older, and those with chronic conditions. The Fluvention program continues to display increased vaccination rates among Medicaid members each year, helping those most at risk of adverse effects from the flu remain healthy.

Immunizations protect the individuals who are vaccinated and those around them - making it harder for preventable illnesses to spread. Through innovative solutions that focus on the whole health of our members, we continue to improve access to quality, preventative healthcare on our mission to transform the health of the community, one person at a time.