Aetna To Offer Flu Shots For Members At More Than 25,000 Locations

Aetna (NYSE:AET) today announced that it has contracted with Maxim Health Systems for the fifth year in a row to administer influenza vaccinations (flu shots) to all members enrolled in its health benefit plans. In addition to receiving the vaccination from their physicians, Aetna members will have the option to get their flu shot at one of Maxim’s more than 25,000 sites in retail facilities and corporations, as well as other clinics across the country. The flu shot clinics will begin on October 1 and continue through mid-November 2008.

"We want to make it as easy as possible for our members, especially those in the high risk groups for influenza, to take this important preventive step,” said Troyen Brennan, M.D., Aetna’s chief medical officer. "These flu shot clinics allow our members and their families to find times and locations that are convenient for them.”

To find a Maxim flu clinic, members can go to a website Maxim has set up (www.findaflushot.com) and enter their zip code and the distance they want to travel. They can also call a toll-free phone number (1-866-466-2976) to help locate a clinic or obtain information about the flu shots in either English or Spanish.

Aetna members also have the option of receiving flu shots at various other clinics:

• SUPERVALU Pharmacies – Members can call 1-800-783-0458 to find the nearest immunizing pharmacy and arrange a time to get the flu shot. Age limitations vary by location.
• VaxCare – These clinics are available at select employer sites in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. If their employer is participating, members can find a clinic at www.vaxcare.com.
• Walk-in Clinics – After logging into Aetna Navigator^®, Aetna’s secure self-service website, members should click on Find Health Care in DocFind. They can then select Facilities under Provider Category and Walk-In Clinics under Provider Type. These walk-in clinics Include Minute Clinics, Aero Clinics, Smartcare Clinics, Take Care Clinics and Redi Clinics.

2008 Vaccination Guidelines

There are several "high-risk groups” of people who are encouraged to get vaccinated. This includes:

• All children from 6 months through 18 years of age;
• Anyone 50 years of age or older;
• Pregnant women;
• Adults who have weak immune systems;
• Adults and children with chronic conditions, including asthma, chronic bronchitis, anemia and other blood disorders, metabolic diseases (such as diabetes), kidney disease, heart disease, liver disease and lung disease;
• Anyone with certain muscle or nerve disorders (such as seizure disorders or cerebral palsy) that can lead to breathing or swallowing problems;
• Residents of nursing homes or other chronic-care facilities.

In addition, anyone who lives with or cares for people at high risk for influenza-related complications should also receive a flu shot. More information about influenza is available at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web site at: www.cdc.gov/flu.

Payment Information and Coverage Details

Aetna members should bring their Aetna ID card with them when visiting a flu clinic, as these contracted providers accept Aetna insurance when members present their Aetna ID card. Most Aetna plans provide full coverage for flu vaccines, but members should consult their plan documents to determine their individual coverage. Members who do not present their Aetna ID cards will be asked to pay at the time the flu shot is given.

Maxim and VaxCare do not give the flu shot to children under 9 years of age, while age limitations vary for SUPERVALU Pharmacies.

About Aetna

Aetna is one of the nation’s leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving approximately 37.2 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, group life and disability plans, and medical management capabilities and health care management services for Medicaid plans. Our customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans, governmental units, government-sponsored plans, labor groups and expatriates. www.aetna.com