As you may have read, all regions of the U.S. have now reported positive cases of the H1N1 flu. The latest comments from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest the situation remains fluid. Mesa Public Schools will provide coverage for the administration of the H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine for all members. The federal government has said that the vaccine will be provided at no cost to health care providers.

Based on its analysis of the current situation, The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommended prioritizing the following population segments to receive the vaccine:

• pregnant women;
• caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age;
• health care and emergency medical services personnel;
• children and young adults from 6 months through 24 years old; and
• persons aged 25 through 64 years who have underlying health conditions that might increase their risk for flu-related complications.

Other population segments will be able to receive the vaccine, as it is made available.

Prescription Coverage
Antiviral therapy is an important part of the prevention and treatment of H1N1 flu. Through the prescription benefit plan Tamiflu^®(oseltamir) and Relenza^®(zanamivir) are covered drugs.

For More Information
For the most up-to-date information, please visit the CDC's Web site at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/. We will continue to keep you updated as new information is made available.