PITTSBURGH, Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite last year’s record-setting flu season, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield’s multi-faceted flu immunization campaign reduced care costs by an estimated $6.4 million and increased immunization rates among all age groups enrolled in its insurance plans.
Vaccine provided to pediatric patients (0-19 years of age) increased by more than 200 percent. In addition, claims analysis of vaccines paid for members indicate an increase of 76 percent per 1,000 people enrolled in a commercial managed care plan and a 7.1 percent increase for individuals in Medicare Advantage plans.
“Flu season was worse than anticipated; however, we were fortunate to have had our campaign well underway by the time the media began to report on the severity of the flu strain, and many people had already received their shot,” said Judith Black, M.D., medical director, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. “We’re pleased our efforts helped the cause and increased immunization rates among our members, particularly those considered high-risk.”
The goals for the campaign included supporting primary care physicians -- the main source of vaccines; increasing access to homebound individuals; targeting people age 50 and over and children ages 6 - 23 months; dispelling common myths associated with getting a flu shot; and creating a greater community awareness of the importance of preventing the flu. Through advertising, direct mail, member newsletters, and targeted phone calls, members were reminded of the importance of getting flu shots.
Estimated cost savings were calculated using a medical study report that concluded medical cost savings of $73 for each senior citizen who is vaccinated. Without taking into consideration rising medical and personnel costs, Highmark determined that a similar savings would apply to the Medicare Advantage population. The total savings -- $6.4 million -- is a conservative estimate, but represents the value of getting a flu shot.
2004/2005 Campaign Launches This Week: National Adult Immunization Awareness Week
This year, campaign messages center around “protecting yourself, and your loved ones, against this dangerous virus.”
“Most people don’t realize how easy it is to pick up the flu,” said Dr. Black. “A simple hug or shake of a hand can spread the virus even before the person who is sick is aware they have the virus.” According to Dr. Black, the most effective way to avoid the flu is to get a shot in October or November.
Since Allegheny County is home to one of the largest and fastest-growing concentrations of elderly in the United States, Highmark is making a concerted effort to reach those elderly individuals who are confined to their homes and unable to easily get to a doctor for their flu shot.
“Like last year, we’re providing free flu shots to homebound seniors in Allegheny County,” Dr. Black said. “Homebound individuals are more susceptible to the virus because their immune systems are weakened and they often are in frequent contact with health care workers or others who may have the virus.” The shots will be offered between October 25 and December 3. Homebound individuals in Allegheny County who are 60 or over are encouraged to call Ursuline Services at 412-683-0400, ext. 264.
About Highmark
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans. For more information, visit http://www.highmark.com/ .
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
CONTACT: Hollie Plevyak of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield,+1-412-544-8248, or hollie.plevyak@highmark.com
Web site: http://www.highmark.com/
