UnitedHealth Group to follow the CDC’s guidance on administration of the swine flu vaccine

Aug 21 2009

UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) announced today that the company will cover the administration of the H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine for its members whose health benefit plans cover immunizations, and also cover the administration of the vaccine for members whose plans currently do not include immunizations and do not plan to in the future.

“In light of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance, we felt it was important to remove barriers to ensuring the widest possible administration of the vaccine,” said Reed V. Tuckson, M.D., executive vice president and chief of medical affairs, UnitedHealth Group. “We will work with state and federal authorities in implementing the CDC’s recommendations in an effort to mitigate the potential consequences of an H1N1 pandemic.”

Based on its analysis of current situation, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommended prioritizing the following population segments to receive the vaccine:

• pregnant women;
• caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age;
• health care and emergency medical services personnel;
• children and young adults from 6 months through 24 years old; and
• persons aged 25 through 64 years who have underlying health conditions that might increase their risk for flu-related complications.

Other population segments will be able to receive the vaccine as it is made available.

UnitedHealth Group will continue to follow the CDC’s guidance on this evolving situation.

http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com