“Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey members will be covered for the costs of administering the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available,” said Dr. Richard Popiel, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, Horizon BCBSNJ.   “Horizon BCBSNJ has been closely monitoring the outbreak of the swine flu since the spring.  We have worked to provide information and education to our members, and have worked collaboratively with state health officials and the health care community to prepare for the coming flu season.”

Horizon BCBSNJ based its decision to cover H1N1 vaccine administration upon the formal recommendations announced by the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. This committee recommended that first priority be given by those administering the vaccine to five key populations:
• pregnant women;
• people who live with or care for children younger than six months of age;
• health care and emergency services personnel;
• children and young adults from 6 months to 24 years;
• people age 25 through 64 who have chronic medical conditions that increase the risk of complications from influenza infection.

Dr. Popiel further noted, “We recommend our members consult their personal physician to determine whether the vaccine is appropriate for them, particularly those in high risk categories, and we encourage our members to take common sense measures to protect themselves during the flu season.”

These measures include:
• Stay at home when you are sick to avoid spreading illness.
• Use clean tissues to cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze and discard tissues after you use them.
• Be sure to cough or sneeze into the bend in your arm.
• Wash your hands often with soap and hot water and use sanitizer gels.
• Call your physician for guidance if you think you have symptoms of the flu.

Horizon BCBSNJ has traditionally covered seasonal flu shots for its members.  Horizon BCBSNJ’s decision to cover the administrative costs of the Swine Flu (H1N1 virus) is consistent with this long-standing policy.   Horizon BCBSNJ will continually update our membership as new information on the H1N1 virus emerges. 

More information about the H1N1 virus is available at Horizon BCBSNJ’s Web site at www.HorizonBlue.com.

Other sites containing important information on the H1N1 Virus include:
• New Jersey State Department of Health and Human Services (NJSDHHS): www.state.nj.us/health 
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):   
www.cdc.gov
www.flu.gov 

About Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, the state’s oldest and largest health insurer, is a not-for-profit health services corporation.  Horizon BCBSNJ serves over 3.6 million members and is headquartered in Newark with offices in Wall, Mt. Laurel, and West Trenton.

Horizon BCBSNJ provides a wide variety of health and dental insurance products and services, including Medicare and Medicaid products, for businesses and individuals.  Horizon BCBSNJ is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.  Learn more at www.HorizonBlue.com.