Cox announces H1N1 distribution plan

Patients of CoxHealth physicians are asked to call their primary care physician’s office to be placed on a list to receive H1N1 vaccine.

Vaccine must first be distributed to those patients at highest risk of suffering complications from the H1N1 virus, as identified by the CDC. When patients call, they should be prepared to answer a few basic health questions so staff can place them on the appropriate list according to their risk group. When vaccine for their group becomes available, they will be notified.

CoxHealth clinics will receive a relatively small number of doses each week, so it may take some time before vaccine is available for everyone. When vaccine is received from the Health Department, it must be used within the week, so patients must be prepared to come into their physician’s office with very little notice. If a patient is not available to receive vaccine when contacted, their name will remain on the list for the next available shipment.

The administration fee will be filed with private insurance, Medicare and Medicaid. Patients are reminded to practice good infection prevention techniques while they wait for vaccine: cover your coughs or sneezes, wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, and stay home if you are sick.