 H1N1 flu update
UnitedHealthcare is committed to helping its members live healthier lives. We want to ensure that all of our members are well informed and have access to timely, accurate health information.
Here are few facts about H1N1 flu that you should know:
- The seasonal flu vaccine will not protect you against the H1N1 virus. Two separate vaccines are needed for protection against seasonal flu and H1N1 flu. However, the populations recommended to receive the H1N1 flu vaccine and the populations recommended to receive the seasonal flu vaccine are not necessarily the same. Talk with your doctor about whether the H1N1 vaccine in addition to the seasonal flu shot is appropriate for you.
- Certain people are at greater risk of serious complications from H1N1 flu. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pregnant women, young children and people with underlying health conditions are particularly at risk of becoming infected by the H1N1 flu. The CDC recommends that they should receive the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available.
The chronic conditions that pose additional risk from H1N1 flu include asthma, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease and conditions that suppress the immune system.
- Some people have priority for receiving the H1N1 vaccine. Current CDC recommendations suggest that the following groups initially receive the vaccine:
- Pregnant women — the CDC advises that pregnant women should receive the H1N1 shot, which contains the inactivated virus, and not the nasal spray form of the vaccine, which contains the live, weakened flu virus
- Caregivers for children younger than age 6 months
- Health care and emergency medical services personnel
- Children and young adults ages 6 months through 24 years
- People ages 25 through 64 years who have underlying health conditions that might increase their risk for flu-related complications
Other populations will follow as the vaccine becomes more widely available.
- Vaccine availability. Contact your local public health clinic, network or primary care physician ahead of time. Make sure they’re participating in administering the H1N1 flu vaccine and have adequate supplies on hand. They may require you to make an appointment to be immunized.
You also can visit uhc.com for a list of pharmacies participating in a unique UnitedHealthcare program for the H1N1 flu vaccine administration.
- Where to get more information. For questions regarding H1N1 flu prevention, symptoms or treatments, call your nurse, doctor — or if included in your health plan, the toll-fee Care24® or NurseLine® phone number listed on your member ID card. For benefit coverage information, visit your member Web site or call the toll-free member phone number listed on the back of your ID card. See side bar for additional resources.
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