According to the article “Blue Cross Says It Will Cover Swine Flu Vaccine” by Shelia M. Poole on The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s website, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia announced this week that it will include the H1N1 virus, also known as the Swine Flu, in its flu vaccine coverages.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia has 3 million members so this is a huge benefit to the state.  They will be covering clinician’s fees and doctor visits for those receiving the H1N1 vaccination.  October is the expected date for the vaccine to be available according to health officials.

Health care workers, emergency staff, pregnant women, healthy patients between 6 mos and 24 years, those living with children under 6 mos, and people ages 25-64 who are at high risk for illness due to health disorders are the first groups recommended to get the vaccine according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

Spokeswoman for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, Cheryl Monkhouse, states that the majority of their policyholders have vaccine coverage so this offer will be beneficial to many of their customers.