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.)