MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) announced today that the company will cover the administration of the H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine for its members whose health benefit plans cover immunizations, and also cover the administration of the vaccine for members whose plans currently do not include immunizations and do not plan to in the future.

"In light of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guidance, we felt it was important to remove barriers to ensuring the widest possible administration of the vaccine," said Reed V. Tuckson, M.D., executive vice president and chief of medical affairs, UnitedHealth Group. "We will work with state and federal authorities in implementing the CDC's recommendations in an effort to mitigate the potential consequences of an H1N1 pandemic."

Based on its analysis of current situation, the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommended prioritizing the following population segments to receive the vaccine:

• pregnant women;
• caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age;
• health care and emergency medical services personnel;
• children and young adults from 6 months through 24 years old; and
• persons aged 25 through 64 years who have underlying health conditions that might increase their risk for flu-related complications.

Other population segments will be able to receive the vaccine as it is made available.

UnitedHealth Group will continue to follow the CDC's guidance on this evolving situation. For more information from the CDC on vaccines and immunizations call 800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) or e-mail: cdcinfo@cdc.gov.

About UnitedHealth Group

UnitedHealth Group (www.unitedhealthgroup.com) is a diversified health and well-being company dedicated to making health care work better. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn., UnitedHealth Group offers a broad spectrum of products and services through six operating businesses: UnitedHealthcare, Ovations, AmeriChoice, OptumHealth, Ingenix, and Prescription Solutions. Through its family of businesses, UnitedHealth Group serves more than 70 million individuals nationwide.

UnitedHealth Group

Tyler Mason, 714-226-3530

Tyler.mason@uhc.com

Source: UnitedHealth Group