Medicare’s Coverage of the H1N1 Flu Vaccine.pdfVIP

★★ CENTERS FOR MEDICARE MEDICAID SERVICES ★★ Medicare’s Coverage of the H1N1 Flu Vaccine 2009 H1N1 flu (sometimes referred to as “swine flu”) is caused by a new strain of influenza virus. It is causing illness in people. The virus spreads from person-to- person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal flu viruses spread. The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu are similar to the symptoms of regular seasonal flu. These symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with the 2009 H1N1 flu virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. If you have flu-like symptoms, call your doctor’s office right away. Is there a vaccine for 2009 H1N1 flu, like there is for the seasonal flu? Yes. The initial doses of 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine are currently available for those at highest risk for infection. Additional doses are scheduled for shipment each week. Who should get the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine? There are some groups of people who have a higher risk of getting the 2009 H1N1 flu than others. Therefore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that the following groups get their vaccine as soon as it becomes available in their area: • Pregnant women • People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age • Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel • Persons between the ages of 6 months through 24 years • People ages 25 through 64 years who are at higher risk because of chronic health disorders or weakened immune systems ★★ Who should get the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine? (continued) Healthy 25 t