For those members who have vaccination coverage in their policy, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Anthem) continues to offer benefit coverage for multiple versions of flu vaccines including the recently FDA-approved intranasal influenza vaccine (FluMist) for healthy people ages 5-49. Members of all ages with vaccination coverage also have benefit coverage for the traditional flu shot. Both types would need to be administered in a physician's office in order to be covered.

After careful consideration, Anthem decided in September 2003 to provide coverage for the FluMist in this initial season along with the traditional flu shot. In light of the shortage, it is in the public's interest that others have joined Anthem in including the intranasal vaccine in their coverage.

"With the CDC's recent modification in its policy, we want to ensure that our members and their health care providers are aware of the coverage," said Samuel Nussbaum, M.D., executive vice president and chief medical officer for Anthem. "Together, we can all continue to advocate flu vaccines, especially for those at high risk of potentially serious complications from the flu."

The CDC recently modified its guidelines because of potential shortage concerns. It is recommending flu shots be reserved for those at high risk of complications and it advises healthy people between 5 and 49 to get the intranasal vaccine.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield provides health care benefits to more than 11.8 million people.