Insurance Information:

Your NDPERS health plan covers the seasonal flu vaccine and the administration of the H1N1 flu vaccine. The novel H1N1 vaccine does not replace the seasonal flu vaccine.

BCBSND will cover the administration of the H1N1 vaccine for people on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) priority list to receive the vaccine. If the vaccine supply is plentiful, these groups have priority to receive the vaccine:

• Pregnant women
• People who live with or provide care for infants younger than age 6 months. For example, parents, siblings and daycare providers
• Health care and emergency medical services personnel
• People ages 6 months-24 years
• People ages 25-64 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications.

Coverage details

• The seasonal flu vaccine is covered under your NDPERS benefit plan at 100 percent. 
• The cost of the H1N1 vaccine itself will be covered by the government for those approved groups.
 
• BCBSND will allow the administration of the vaccine to be processed under your health plan.
• If the CDC determines this vaccine should be given for other populations, BCBSND will allow according to the group's benefits, if not covered through a governmental entity.

Cost-saving tips

For the least out-of pocket expense, you can receive your immunization through schools or community health centers. If you go to a clinic, ask if you can bypass an office visit and just be immunized. If an office visit is billed, it will be subject to your office visit copay.

For more information, visit the CDC web site at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ as information about the availability of the H1N1 vaccine continues to change. For information regarding coverage or claims processing, please contact BCBS at (800) 223-1704.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I GET THE FLU?

Should I seek health care services if I am sick with the flu?

Most people with H1N1 (swine) or seasonal flu can recover at home with little or no medical attention. However, those who are at higher risk of serious complications should consult a health care provider if they develop flu-like symptoms or if they have had recent close contact with someone who has the flu.

High risk groups include:

• People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions including:
• Asthma
• Diabetes
• Immune-suppression
• Heart, lung, liver or kidney disease
• Persons younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long term aspirin therapy
• Pregnant women
• Adults 65 years of age and older
• Children younger than 5 years of age



Symptoms of the flu can include:

• Fever of > 100°
• Cough and/or sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Headache and/or body aches
• Chills
• Fatigue
• With H1N1 (swine) flu, you may also have vomiting and diarrhea



Get medical attention right away if you:

• Have difficulty breathing or chest pain
• Have purple or blue discoloration of your lips
• Are vomiting and unable to keep liquids down
• Show signs of dehydration, such as feeling dizzy when standing or being unable to urinate.
• Have seizures
• Are less responsive than normal or become confused

If you become ill, avoid contact with others for at least 24 hours after fever subsides (without the help of fever reducing medicine). Wear a mask during periods where contact with others is unavoidable.
Those who need to seek care are asked to call first. UND faculty and staff may contact their own health care providers.

Immunization is the best protection against the flu.

1. Cover Your Cough
2. Clean Your Hands Frequently
3. Avoid Touching Your Eyes, Nose and Mouth
4. Keep Your Distance (3-6 Feet) From Sick People
5. Stay Home When You’re Sick

For more information, go to www.flu.gov.