Independence Blue Cross Takes Steps to Prepare for H1N1 and Seasonal Flu

Insurer to Cover Swine Flu Vaccine Administration

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- In an effort to help keep members
healthy and flu-free this year, Independence Blue Cross (IBC) will offer
coverage for the administration costs of the H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine when it
becomes available. In addition IBC will continue to cover seasonal flu
vaccine.

"At Independence Blue Cross, we want our members and customers to be prepared
with everything they need to know about H1N1 and seasonal flu to keep their
families and employees healthy," says I. Steven Udvarhelyi, M.D., senior vice
president and chief medical officer for Independence Blue Cross. "We are
monitoring the spread of the H1N1 virus and seasonal flu, and will continue to
follow the precautions and recommendations from the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) and federal, state, and local governments."

IBC based its decision to cover H1N1 vaccine administration upon the formal
recommendations recently announced by the CDC's Advisory Committee on
Immunization Practices. This committee recommended that first priority be
given by those administering the vaccine to five key populations:

-- 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 to 24 years; and

-- people age 25 through 64 who have chronic medical conditions that
increase the risk of complications from influenza infection.

The CDC's Advisory Committee also provided guidance regarding high-risk groups
that should be targeted in the event of a significant shortage of vaccine, as
well as recommendations for the general population if the supply of vaccine
exceeds the needs of the target groups.

The coverage IBC will offer for administering flu vaccine applies to members
whose medical benefit plans provide coverage for vaccines and to vaccinations
administered by eligible providers. Members can confirm their specific
benefits by calling the number listed on their insurance card, or
1-800-ASK-BLUE.

About H1N1 Flu
H1N1 flu is believed to spread in the same way that seasonal flu spreads,
mainly through coughing and sneezing by infected persons. It may also spread
by touching infected objects and then touching the nose or mouth.

Symptoms of the H1N1 virus can mimic those of the seasonal flu and may include
sudden fever and cough with muscle aches, fatigue, and lack of appetite. Many
people with this infection also have a runny nose, sore throat, and watery
eyes, and some have nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Despite similar symptoms,
people need to protect themselves against H1N1 and seasonal flu with different
vaccines. The CDC has stated that the H1N1 vaccine is not intended to replace
the seasonal flu vaccine.

Flu prevention tips
IBC reminds those who are ill to take the following steps to help prevent
spreading flu viruses to others:

-- Stay home when you are sick to avoid spreading the illness to others.
-- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Throw
the tissue away after using it.
-- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water,
especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are
also effective.
-- Avoid touching the eyes, nose, or mouth.

-- Seek care if you have flu-like symptoms.

Information is key
As an additional preventive reminder, this fall IBC will launch its annual flu
vaccine campaign delivering thousands of phone calls and postcards to urge
some of its most vulnerable members to get their seasonal flu vaccine. To
learn more about H1N1 and other Facts about the Flu please visit IBC's
extensive web-based flu information center located at www.ibx.com.

IBC bases immunization policy decisions on recommendations issued by the CDC's
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and other nationally recognized
organizations. The CDC's Advisory Committee 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 the CDC on the most effective
means to prevent diseases that can be contained through vaccine.

About Independence Blue Cross
Independence Blue Cross is a leading health insurer in southeastern
Pennsylvania. Nationwide, Independence Blue Cross and its affiliates provide
coverage to nearly 3.3 million people. For more than 70 years, Independence
Blue Cross has offered high-quality health care coverage tailored to meet the
changing needs of members, employers, and health care professionals.
Independence Blue Cross's HMO and PPO health care plans have consistently
received the highest ratings from the National Committee for Quality
Assurance.

Independence Blue Cross supports comprehensive health care reform that would
extend coverage to all Americans, reduce costs, and improve quality. We also
advocate reform that builds on the current employer-based system that
currently serves 170 million Americans. Learn more about our views on health
care legislation now working its way through Congress by visiting our website
at www.ibx.com/about_ibc/health_care_reform.

Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue
Shield Association. More information about Independence Blue Cross is
available at www.ibx.com.

SOURCE Independence Blue Cross

Karen Godlewski of Independence Blue Cross, +1-215-241-3113,
Karen.godlewski@ibx.com