Members of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona to receive coverage for H1N1 vaccine

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) announced today that it will cover the H1N1 vaccine for all BCBSAZ members in addition to its regular coverage of a seasonal flu shot.

BCBSAZ is closely monitoring the H1N1 flu and the Arizona Department of Health Services and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations and guidelines.

“It is important we all do our part to prevent and contain the spread of H1N1. There was never any doubt Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona would cover the H1N1 vaccine,” said Daniel P. Aspery, M.D., Vice President of Health Services and Medical Director for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. “Keeping our members healthy is a company priority. Educating them on facts about this virus, prevention of illness, and the vaccine are important facets of this priority.”

Currently, the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommended that certain groups of the population receive the H1N1 vaccine when it first becomes available. These key populations include pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, health care and emergency medical services personnel, persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old, and people age 25 through 64 who are at higher risk for novel H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.

Shipments of H1N1 vaccine to health care providers such as clinics, medical offices, and health departments is scheduled to begin mid-October, according to the CDC.

For resources and information on the H1N1 flu, visit www.azdhs.gov/flu/h1n1/index.htm and www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu.

http://www.bcbsaz.com