Begin thinking now about flu and pneumonia shots!

In October 2009, when a limited amount of H1N1 vaccine became available, the public was divided over whether to get vaccinated. Some people seemed to think there was a trade-off between accepting the perceived risk associated with the illness and accepting any perceived risk associated with the vaccine. Research shows that 50% of adults believed the vaccine wasn’t needed.*

Please continue to educate patients regarding 2010 flu shots, including H1N1. Recommend the pneumonia shot as well, especially for those patients who have an underlying chronic condition or respiratory disease, as these people are at higher risk for fatalities from H1N1. Priority Health recognizes code 90662 influenza virus vaccine for members age 65 and older and pays according to benefit plan specifics. To view other payable vaccine codes, see our vaccine list. Please contact the Provider Helpline at 800 942-4765 if you have benefit-related questions.

*The Public’s Response to the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic, New England Journal of Medicine, May 19, 2010.

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