Make sure immunizations are up to date for traveling

Editor,

I retired from UNM a couple of years ago. As a UNM retiree, I kept the health insurance I had with Lovelace's health maintenance organization. Last year, I had the chance to visit Southeast Asia. The Lovelace contract with UNM does not cover immunizations for travel. Among the immunizations, I received were shots for hepatitis B, tetanus and whooping cough.

The Center for Disease Control recommends babies in the U.S. receive these immunizations before their first birthday. Even though I personally think a health maintenance organization should cover all immunizations, I can understand Lovelace, under the terms of the contract, not covering the immunizations I received for Japanese encephalitis and malaria. But as for not covering immunizations recommended for life in the U.S. because I didn't know about them before the trip or because my tetanus immunization was a little old - well, you decide what you think is right.

I appealed the decision and Lovelace upheld its decision not to pay. The point of my letter is not just to rant and rave. The immunization for hepatitis B was not approved for general use until 1980-81. I am urging you to check your records and update your immunizations. You never know when you might want to take a trip or when you might need a protection while living in the U.S.

Laura White

Daily Lobo reader