Every vaccine you get helps to protect you and your community against dangerous (and possibly life-threatening) diseases. With the recent spike in certain outbreaks, like the measles, it’s more important than ever to ensure you and your loved ones are protected. That’s why Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is making it even easier for members to get vaccines using their pharmacy benefits. Typically, vaccines are covered under both pharmacy and medical benefit plans, but only one plan can be billed per claim. Starting August 1, 2019, a larger number of vaccines previously only covered by medical plan benefits will now be available at in-network pharmacies for eligible members. So, if you can’t make a trip to your doctor’s office, you’ll be able to see an in-network pharmacist for your vaccine. These vaccines include:
| Tetanus, Diphtheria Polio Measles, mumps, rubella | Meningococcal B Varicella (chickenpox) |
Most Blue Cross and Blue Care Network members can search for a participating retail pharmacy by logging in to their member accounts at bcbsm.com. Here's what members need to do:
- After logging in, hover the mouse over My Coverage in the blue bar at the top of the page.
- Select Prescription Drugs from the drop-down menu.
- Scroll down to Where to go for care, and click on Locate a retail pharmacy. The link will take you directly to Express Scripts®. You won’t have to log in again.
Vaccines are crucial for keeping children and adults healthy, so it’s important to know which ones you need. Not sure when to get your vaccinations, or what’s covered? Below are all of the vaccines covered under Blue Cross pharmacy benefits, along with any age requirements.
| Vaccine | Common name | Age Requirements |
| Influenza virus | Flu | None |
| Havrix® | Hepatitis A | None |
| Vaqta® | Hepatitis A | None |
| Twinrix® | Hepatitis A & B | None |
| Gardasil®9 | HPV | 9 to 27 years old |
| Cervarix® | HPV | 9 to 27 years old |
| Gardasil® | HPV | 9 to 27 years old |
| M-M-R® II | Measles, mumps, rubella | None |
| Menveo® | Meningitis | None |
| Menactra® | Meningitis | None |
| Menomune® | Meningitis | None |
| Trumenba® | Meningococcal B | None |
| Bexsero® | Meningococcal B | None |
| Ipol® | Polio | None |
| Pneumovax 23 | Pneumonia | None |
| Pneumococcal (PCV7) | Pneumonia | None |
| Prevnar 13® | Pneumonia | 65 and older |
| Shingrix® | Shingles | 50 and older |
| Zostavax® | Shingles | 60 and older |
| Boostrix® | Tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough | None |
| Adacel® | Tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough | None |
| Tenivac® | Tetanus, Diphtheria | None |
| Vivotif® | Typhoid | 6 years and older |
| Typhim Vi® | Typhoid | 2 years and older |
| Varivax® | Varicella (chickenpox) | None |
Learn more about your pharmacy coverage at mibluesperspectives.com/pharmacy. Want more information about vaccinations and pharmacy-related topics? Visit these blogs:
- Blue Cross Report Shows Childhood Vaccination Rates Up Nearly 30% in Michigan
- Top 5 Myths About the Flu Vaccine
- Avoiding Frustration at the Pharmacy
Photo credit: Kfuhlert
