HEDIS® Tip Sheet

Immunizations for Adolescents (IMA-E)

Measure Description

The percentage of adolescents 13 years of age who had one dose of meningococcal vaccine, one tetanus, diphtheria toxoids and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine, and have completed the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine series by their 13th birthday. 

Compliance

Adolescents who received all the following (each row) within the specified time frames (see notes section). 

Compliance can be met with any of the listed criteria for each vaccine in the below table (i.e. patient received the vaccine or has a history of the vaccine causing anaphylaxis or encephalitis).


  • Combination 2: Meningococcal, Tdap, HPV - Adolescents who are numerator compliant for all three indicators.
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Notes

  • The measure calculates a rate for each vaccine and two combination rates.
  • Meningococcal and Tdap must be administered on or between the member’s 10th and 13th birthdays.
  • The HPV vaccine series must be given on or between the member’s 9th and 13th birthdays.
    • If giving a 2-dose series, the vaccines must be administered at least 146 days apart.
    • If giving a 3-dose series, the vaccines must be administered on different dates of service.
  • Only the quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine (serogroups A, C, W, Y) is included in the measure, but meningococcal B is allowed when included with meningococcal A, C, W, and Y.
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Exclusions

  • Members who received hospice services during the measurement period.
  • Members who died during the measurement period.
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Best Practices

  • Set alerts in the EMR to flag when immunizations are due.
  • Use office visits as a time to review the immunization schedule and status of your patient.
  • Educate parents on the importance of immunizations to protect their adolescent from vaccine-preventable diseases.
  • Address common misconceptions about the HPV vaccine.
  • Schedule the next HPV vaccine appointment during the office visit of the first administration.
  • Send reminders by email, mail, and text to increase immunization rates.
  • Request previous immunization records for new patients. 
  • Submit claims in a timely manner.
  • Report all immunizations through your state immunization registry.
  • Document anaphylactic reactions and encephalitis related to the vaccines.

Coding and Benefits Disclaimer

Providers and organizations must submit accurate and complete data in accordance with all billing, coding, and medical policy requirements. HEDIS guidance does not override official coding standards or guarantee reimbursement, as coverage is subject to applicable medical/coding policy and member-specific benefits.

Questions

Should you have specific coding or other questions related to the measure, please send your questions to BlueAlliance@bcbsnd.com.

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Updated 8/28/2026