Important Information about the Swine Flu Vaccine

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Benefit Plans will cover the administration of the swine flu vaccine by Network Providers under the Healthy You! benefit, based on the CDC’s guidelines. You should contact your Network Provider for further information about your individual need for the vaccine.

The vaccine for the swine flu will be provided by the federal government, and providers must register with the Mississippi Department of Health to receive the vaccine and ensure compliance with the CDC’s administration recommendations. These recommendations include administration of the vaccine by registered providers to patients in various high risk categories. Providers can only charge for the administration of the vaccine.

The best way to avoid the flu is to practice good health habits. The following preventative measures will help prevent the spread of the flu:

• Wash your hands regularly and vigorously using plenty of soap and warm water. You should wash for at least one minute before drying your hands with paper towels. Hand sanitizers should be a secondary method for cleaning your hands, but should not replace regular washing.
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing – preferably with the crook of your elbow.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Avoid close contact with individuals who are or may be sick.
• If you are sick, do not go to work. If your child is sick, keep them home from school.
• Be healthy!  Exercise, eat healthy, be tobacco-free and stress-free, and get plenty of sleep.

For additional information regarding swine flu, visit the following websites:

www.cdc.gov/flu

http://www.flu.gov/