H1N1 Swine Flu Vaccine Coverage Informatin
Below details the information that has been recieved from Health Plan of Nevada and Seirra Health and Life as of 10.15.2009. If more information becomes available we will update this post.
Can you tell me about the swine flu vaccine?
The swine flu vaccine is available in both injectable (inactive virus) and nasal inhaler (active/live virus) form. In Nevada, shipments of nasal inhaler (FluMist) and injectable doses have been received by the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD), and Washoe County Health District (WCHD). This will be followed by weekly doses of both nasal inhaler and injectible forms.
According to the CDC, additional doses of the vaccine will be shipped to state health divisions, local health authorities, and health care providers on a weekly basis. It is expected that although there will be limited doses available initially, the supply is expected to grow over the coming months and will eventually be sufficient enough to accommodate everyone who wants to receive the vaccine.
Can I get the swine flu vaccine in October? Or do I have to wait until later?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers the following
Sierra Health and Life H1N1 Swine Flu Vaccine Coverage Information
people as high priority for getting the vaccine as soon as it becomes available:
- Pregnant women
- Caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age
- Healthcare workers and emergency medical services personnel
- People from 6 months through 24 years of age
- Persons age 25 through 64 who have underlying health conditions that might produce complications from a flu – including asthma, diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease
If you are unsure whether you should receive the vaccine, ask your doctor or call the Health Plan of Nevada / Sierra Health and Life 24-hour Telephone Advice Nurse at 702-242-7330 or 1-800-288-2264.
Where can I get the vaccine?
In Southern Nevada:
The Southern Nevada Health District is offering the FluMist inhaled vaccine, Monday through Friday, October 12-16, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the health district’s main public health center at 625 Shadow Lane.
The CDC recommends the inhaled vaccine for healthy people between the ages of 2 and 49. It is also recommended for health care workers and EMTs.
The first clinic that will offer injectable vaccine as well as the inhalable FluMist is scheduled between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday, October Priority groups eligible to receive the vaccine at this time include:
- Pregnant women
- People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
- Health care and emergency medical services personnel with direct patient contact
- Children 6 months through 4 years of age
- Children 5 through 18 years of age who have chronic medical conditions
In Northern Nevada:
For information on vaccine availability in Washoe County, please call WCHD at 1-866-767-5038.
Outside of Nevada:
Please contact the Public Health Clinic in your area or your health care provider’s office for information on vaccine availability.
Will I have to pay for the swine flu vaccine?
No, you will not have to pay for the swine flu vaccine. UnitedHealthcare / Health Plan of Nevada / Sierra Health & Life will cover the administration fees, regardless of where you receive the vaccine
If I get sick, will my prescription treatments be covered?
Antiviral therapy is an important part of the prevention and treatment of swine flu. If you get sick and your doctor recommends treatment, you will be covered in accordance with the prescription drug component of your plan coverage. Currently, the recommended treatments are Tamiflu and Relenza.
