MANCHESTER, N.H., Aug. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in New Hampshire has announced that it will offer coverage for the administration of the H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine when it becomes commercially available to the general public. The vaccine administration will be covered for members whose benefit plans provide coverage for vaccines.
Anthem will also continue coverage of seasonal flu vaccine administration for those whose health plans offer vaccine coverage. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that the H1N1 vaccine is not intended to replace the seasonal flu vaccine.
The decision to cover the H1N1 vaccine administration is based on formal recommendations announced recently by the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. ACIP recommended initial prioritization for those administering the vaccine for five key populations, including:
ACIP also provided guidance regarding high risk groups to be targeted in the event of a significant shortage of vaccine as well as recommendations for the rest of the general population if the supply of vaccine exceeds the needs of the target groups.
Anthem's immunization policy decisions are based on recommendations issued by ACIP and other nationally recognized organizations. ACIP is composed of 15 experts in fields associated with immunization who provide advice and guidance to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services an
'/>"/>
| SOURCE Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in New Hampshire Copyright©2009 PR Newswire. All rights reserved |