PITTSBURGH, Oct. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Highmark announced today that effective immediately, it will again provide coverage for FluMist during the 2004-2005 flu season. The company decided to temporarily cover the nasal spray vaccine late last year when vaccine shortages threatened to keep high-risk individuals from receiving the injectable vaccine.
This week’s announcement that the U.S. will receive only half of its expected vaccine supply prompted the insurer to revise its medical policy to ensure that the available injectable vaccine is directed to high-risk people, and FluMist, which is not approved for people over 50 or under five years of age, can be used for healthy children and adults. FluMist will be covered for any Highmark member whose benefit plan covers flu shots.
“The limited supply of vaccine expected this year is of great concern to us, and we believe it is critically important for our members to have access to FluMist so that physicians can prioritize their injectable vaccine supply for individuals who need it most,” said Judith Black, M.D., medical director, Highmark.
“Physicians are the best source of information during a time like this,” said Black. “There is a need to prioritize vaccine this year because of the shortage. FluMist provides another option. It is recommended the nasal vaccine be reserved for the following priority groups - health care workers and anyone who comes in contact with someone who has a weakened immune system, such as an elderly person or a child under six months of age.”
Just last week Highmark launched its Flu Immunization Awareness Campaign. Highmark is currently working to revise communications to its members and network physicians to ensure those who are at highest risk for contracting the flu get the vaccine first. In addition, Highmark cancelled its own employee flu vaccine program and is urging employees and members to get a shot or the spray from their physician.
Highmark members who have questions should contact their physician, or call the 800-number on the back of their member ID card. Additional news about Highmark’s efforts will be posted on http://www.highmark.com/ .
Another source of information is http://www.findaflushot.com/ , which provides locations for flu shots based on zip code criteria entered in by the user.
About Highmark
Highmark Inc. is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans.
Highmark Inc.
CONTACT: Hollie Plevyak of Highmark Inc., +1-412-544-8248, orhollie.plevyak@highmark.com
