Important information about H1N1:  Medicare will cover immunizations for H1N1 influenza, also called the "swine flu."  There will be no coinsurance or copayment applied to this benefit, and beneficiaries will not have to meet their deductible.  H1N1 influenza vaccine is currently under production and will be available in the Fall of 2009.  For more information on Medicare policy, see the link inside CMS titled, "Medicare and Pandemic Flu."  For more general information on H1N1 virus, see the link outside CMS titled, "General Information on Pandemic Flu."

CMS supports its partners and other organizations in their efforts to promote influenza, pneumococcal, and hepatitis B vaccinations to Medicare beneficiaries. This page provides information, resources, and tools that can be used for promoting these vaccinations to Medicare beneficiaries, including:

• Materials, such as brochures and posters;
• Potential partners and resources, including the CMS Regional Office Flu Coordinators who help coordinate our national campaign, State Health Insurance Counseling and Assistance Programs, Quality Improvement Organizations, and State and Area Agencies on Aging;
• Information on the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, which as of July 1, 2005, considers individuals thought to be injured by the influenza vaccine eligible for compensation.

Several organizations have comprehensive information on influenza, pneumococcal, and hepatitis B vaccinations on their websites. Links to these websites are provided below and include:

• CDC's National Immunization Program, which contains information, resources, and materials to support the promotion and delivery of vaccinations. This website also contains Spanish-language materials.
• The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public and health care professionals about the causes, treatment and prevention of infectious diseases. This website provides fact sheets and includes information on the National Coalition for Adult Immunization.
• The Immunization Action Coalition develops and distributes educational materials for the public and health care professionals, which are available on their website. The Hepatitis B Coalition is a program of the Immunization Action Coalition and promotes hepatitis B vaccinations to appropriate population groups.

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Related Links Inside CMS
Medicare and Pandemic Flu Medicare "Stay Healthy" website information for beneficiaries on vaccination State Health Insurance Counseling and Assistance Programs
Related Links Outside CMS
General Information on Pandemic Flu National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program CDC's National Immunization Program Contact Information for Quality Improvement Organizations Contact Information for State and Area Agencies on Aging National Foundation for Infectious Diseases Immunization Action Coalition

Page Last Modified: 08/31/2009 3:54:43 PM
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