Aetna to Offer Flu Shots for Members at Target Locations Nationwide
Aetna (NYSE:AET) today announced that it is working with Target (NYSE:TGT) to administer influenza vaccinations (flu shots) to 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 any participating Target with an in-house pharmacy. The remaining Target flu shot clinics will take place on October 20 and 27, depending on location.
Members should call ahead to see when their nearest Target will be holding their flu shot clinic. No appointments will be necessary. Vaccinations will be given on a first come, first served basis while supplies last. The clinics are sponsored by Theraflu in partnership with Novartis, a leading supplier of vaccines. Northstar Partnering Group has also partnered with Target to provide on-site, certified health care professionals to administer each flu shot.
2007 Flu Shot Guidelines
People in high risk groups are encouraged to get vaccinated. This includes:
People 50 years of age and older;
Children ages 6 months to 59 months;
Pregnant women;
Children and adolescents who are taking aspirin over a long period of time;
Adults and children who have weak immune systems;
Adults and children who have any condition that can impair respiratory function or that can increase the risk for or the handling of respiratory secretions or that can increase the risk for aspiration (for example, cognitive dysfunction, spinal cord injuries, seizure disorders, or other neuromuscular disorders);
Adults and children with chronic conditions, including asthma, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease and lung disease;
People who live in nursing homes or other chronic care facilities.
People in contact with those at high risk should also get a flu shot. For more information about influenza, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web site at: www.cdc.gov/flu
Finding a Target Flu Clinic
There are two ways Aetna members can find the Target flu clinic nearest to them.
Visit Target’s website at target.com/flushot and enter their zip code or,
Call Target’s Pharmacy & Clinic system 24 hours a day, 7 days a week toll free at 1-877-RX-TARGET. Press “9,” to speak with a representative about the closest flu shot event. Members can obtain information about the nearest flu clinic in Spanish through a Target-provided translator.
Payment Information and Coverage Details
Aetna’s members should bring their Aetna ID card with them when visiting a Target flu clinic, as Target is not collecting fees at its clinics from Aetna members presenting their card. Instead, Northstar will first bill Aetna and then later bill the member for any amount of the negotiated fee not covered by the member’s health benefits plan. Most Aetna plans provide 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. Target does not give the flu shot to children under 9 years of age or to pregnant women. Target does not carry the nasal flu spray; members who prefer the nasal flu spray to the flu shot should contact their physician.
About Aetna
Aetna is one of the nation’s leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving approximately 34.9 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, long-term care 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 and government-sponsored plans in both the U.S. and internationally. www.aetna.com