Regence to Cover Administration Costs of H1N1 Vaccine for Fully-Insured Groups, Individuals This ...( PORTLAND Ore. Sept. 23 /-...),Health

PORTLAND, Ore., Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- To remove financial barriers associated with administration of the H1N1 vaccine and to encourage members to seek vaccination, Regence BlueCross BlueShield will provide coverage for the costs associated with the administration of the H1N1 vaccine during the 2009-2010 flu season, waiving co-pays and deductibles for all members covered by its insured plans. Regence will strongly encourage self-insured employers to cover the full cost to ensure that the greatest number of people are protected.

Working to prevent and contain the spread of H1N1 is an important priority at Regence. This includes educating members on facts about the virus, prevention of illness and information on the vaccine.

Regence will coordinate its efforts with state and federal authorities to ensure the widest possible administration of the vaccine in an effort to mitigate the potential consequences of an H1N1 pandemic.

Based on its analysis of the 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
• persons aged 25 through 64 years who have underlying health conditions that might increase their risk for flu-related complications
  

There are steps everyone can take to prepare. Keep a supply of food and medicines on hand in case you have to stay home, and practice good public health measures like frequent hand washing and staying home when sick. For more good information, visit one or more of the following resources:

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