Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Missouri announced today that it will offer coverage for the administration of the H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine when it becomes commercially available to the general public. The vaccine administration will be covered for members whose benefit plans provide coverage for vaccines.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Missouri will also continue coverage of seasonal flu vaccine administration for those whose health plans offer vaccine coverage. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that the H1N1 vaccine is not intended to replace the seasonal flu vaccine.

The decision to cover the H1N1 vaccine administration is based on formal recommendations announced last week by the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. ACIP recommended initial prioritization for those administering the vaccine for five key populations, including:

-- pregnant women, -- people who live with or care for children younger than six months of age, -- health care and emergency services personnel, -- children and young adults from 6 months old to 24 years old, and -- people from 25 through 64 years old if they have chronic medical conditions that increase their risk of complications from influenza infection.

ACIP also provided guidance regarding high risk groups to be targeted in the event of a significant shortage of vaccine as well as recommendations for the rest of the general population if the supply of vaccine exceeds the needs of the target groups.

The company's immunization policy decisions are based on recommendations issued by ACIP and other nationally recognized organizations. ACIP is composed of 15 experts in fields associated with immunization who provide advice and guidance to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and CDC on the most effective means to prevent vaccine-preventable diseases.

Vaccine administration is covered for members whose benefit plans provide coverage for vaccines. Policyholders should confirm their specific benefits by calling the toll-free telephone number listed on their insurance card.

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Missouri

In Missouri (excluding 30 counties in the Kansas City area) Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name for RightCHOICE(R) Managed Care, Inc. (RIT), Healthy Alliance(R) Life Insurance Company (HALIC), and HMO Missouri, Inc. RIT and certain affiliates administer non-HMO benefits underwritten by HALIC and HMO benefits underwritten by HMO Missouri, Inc. RIT and certain affiliates only provide administrative services for self-funded plans and do not underwrite benefits. Independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. (R)ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Missouri is available at www.anthem.com.


Contact: Deb Wiethop, 314-923-4767


SOURCE Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Missouri