Vaccine Covered for All FIC Enrolled Members and Dependents

Dear Member,

The spread of the H1N1 flu virus (also known as “swine flu”) continues to be a serious medical concern this fall. An H1N1 vaccine has been developed and will be distributed by the Center for Disease Control in mid-November to doctors and hospitals across the country. The vaccine itself is free, and Freelancers Insurance Company will cover the cost of administration of the vaccine for all FIC health plan subscribers and their dependents. Also, if no other services are performed during the office visit in which the vaccine is administered, you will not be charged a copay, deductible, or coinsurance amount.

Symptoms of the H1N1 virus are similar to those of the seasonal flu, including fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people who have been infected with the virus also experience diarrhea and vomiting. We encourage you to speak with your doctor about receiving the H1N1 vaccine, particularly if you are in one of the high-risk groups for whom these symptoms can become particularly severe. As there is a limited supply, these groups are the highest priority for receiving the vaccine:

• Pregnant women
• Children and young people ages 6 months through 24 years
• People who live with or provide care for infants under 6 months of age
• People ages 25-64 years old who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for flu-related complications
• Health care workers and emergency medical services personnel

You can also take precautions to avoid contracting or spreading the flu:

• Cough or sneeze into a tissue or the crook of your elbow, not your hands. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
• Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth. Flu spreads this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Stay home when you are sick, and do not return to school or work until you have been fever-free without medication for at least 24 hours

Fore more information about the H1N1 virus or to find locations where the vaccine is available in your area, visit http://www.flu.gov or speak with your primary care physician. If you have any questions about H1N1 vaccine coverage, please contact FIC customer service at 800.707.8802.