Aetna To Offer Flu Shots For Members At More Than 25,000 Locations Nationwide
Members at high risk urged to get vaccinated
HARTFORD, Conn., October 1, 2007 — Aetna (NYSE: ΑET) today announced that for the fourth year in a row it has contracted with Maxim Health Systems to administer influenza vaccinations (flu shots) to all members enrolled in its health benefit plans.
In addition to receiving the vaccination from their physicians, Aetna members will have the option to get their flu shot at one of Maxim’s more than 25,000 sites in retail facilities and corporations across the country. The Maxim flu shot clinics will begin on October 1 and continue through mid-November 2007.
"Getting vaccinated is the most important step a member can take to improve their chances of avoiding the flu," said Charles M. Cutler, M.D., Aetna’s chief medical director of national accounts. "We want to make it as easy as possible for our members, especially those in the high risk groups for influenza, to take this important preventive step. With work and family schedules as busy as they are today, the sites offer an added convenience for members."
2007 Vaccination Guidelines
People in high risk groups are encouraged to get vaccinated. This includes:
- People 50 years of age and older;
- Children ages 6 months to 59 months;
- Pregnant women;
- Children and adolescents who are taking aspirin over a long period of time;
- Adults and children who have weak immune systems;
- Adults and children who have any condition that can impair respiratory function or that can increase the risk for or the handling of respiratory secretions or that can increase the risk for aspiration (for example, cognitive dysfunction, spinal cord injuries, seizure disorders, or other neuromuscular disorders);
- Adults and children with chronic conditions, including asthma, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease and lung disease;
- People who live in nursing homes or other chronic care facilities.
People in contact with those at high risk should also get a flu shot. For more information about influenza, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web site at: www.cdc.gov/flu
Finding a Maxim Flu Clinic
There are two ways Aetna members can find the Maxim flu clinic nearest to them.
- Visit Maxim’s website at www.findaflushot.com and enter their zip code and the distance they want to travel, or
- Call Maxim’s automated locator system 24 hours a day, 7 days a week toll free at 1-866-466-2976 and enter their area code and the first digits of their telephone number. Members calling the Aetna-dedicated toll-free number for Maxim can obtain information about the flu shots in English and Spanish.
Payment Information and Coverage Details
Aetna members should bring their Aetna ID card with them when visiting a Maxim flu clinic as Maxim is not collecting fees at its clinics from Aetna members presenting their card. Instead, Maxim will first bill Aetna and then later bill the member for any amount of the negotiated fee not covered by the member’s health benefits plan. Most Aetna plans provide full coverage for flu vaccines, but members should consult their plan documents to determine their individual coverage. Members who do not present their Aetna ID cards will be asked to pay at the time the flu shot is given. Maxim does not give the flu shot to children under 9 years of age. Nor does Maxim carry the nasal flu spray. Members who prefer the nasal flu spray to the flu shot should contact their physician.
About Aetna
Aetna is one of the nation’s leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving approximately 34.9 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, group life, long-term care and disability plans, and medical management capabilities and health care management services for Medicaid plans. Our customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans and government-sponsored plans in both the U.S. and internationally. www.aetna.com
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