Seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccines from Priority Health

Sep 25 2009

Priority Health has announced its coverage of both the seasonal flu and H1N1 flu vaccines. “Preventing the flu through immunization is the best way to keep yourself and your family healthy,” said John Fox, M.D., associate vice president of Medical Affairs at Priority Health. “We encourage our members to receive both vaccines to protect themselves against the two viruses.”

The CDC has identified specific populations at risk for H1N1 flu. Among those at higher risk for H1N1 flu are: pregnant women, health care workers, infants, household contacts of infants six months and younger, children and young people through age 24 and adults age 19 through 64 with underlying chronic health conditions such as asthma or diabetes.

Priority Health has long covered seasonal flu vaccines as part of its extensive prevention and wellness initiatives. This year, Priority Health has added coverage for the H1N1 influenza vaccine, which is expected to be available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this October. H1N1 vaccine benefits are extended to those members with immunization coverage. (A small number of self-funded plans do not carry immunization coverage. These plans will be given the opportunity to add flu shot coverage in light of heightened concerns surrounding this flu season.)

To make life easier for our members and improve access to the vaccines, Priority Health will cover flu shots given at participating pharmacies as well as physician offices. The pharmacy can bill Priority Health directly eliminating the member’s need to pay out-of-pocket. “Because the initial distribution of H1N1 vaccines is expected to be in short supply, we are working to remove all barriers our members face to receiving the vaccine,” said Fox. “And by offering to cover the flu shot at participating pharmacies, we can alleviate some of the strain physicians’ offices are expected to feel this flu season.”

In addition to getting a flu shot, Fox – an epidemiologist who previously worked at the CDC – recommends taking precautions to limit the spread of germs. “Frequent hand washing is an important way to kill germs and limit the spread of viruses,” said Fox. “In addition, remember to sneeze or cough into your elbow or a tissue. Because the flu viruses are spread through person-to-person contact, it’s important for someone with the flu to stay home from work or school to limit the spread of the illness until they have been symptom-free for 24 hours.”

http://www.priorityhealth.com/