Agencies
Services
Provider Notice issued 01/30/06
Flu Vaccine – Final Reminder
| To: | Long Term Care (NF, ICF/DD and SLF) and Pharmacy Providers |
| Date: | January 30, 2006 |
| Re: | Flu Vaccine – Final Reminder |
As stated in the department’s December 9, 2005, information notice, for the 2006 influenza season, long term care facilities will be responsible for obtaining the influenza vaccine for all residents of the facility in accordance with federal and state law. The department will not directly provide or distribute influenza vaccine and medical supplies. However, if obtained through a pharmacy, the influenza vaccine will be billed to the department by the supplying pharmacy for Medicaid-eligible residents with no Medicare Part B coverage. For Medicaid-eligible residents who have Medicare Part B coverage, the facility will be required to purchase the vaccine and bill Medicare.
It has come to the department’s attention that suppliers of the influenza vaccine will begin pre-booking orders starting January 31, 2006. It is important for you to start making arrangements immediately to obtain enough vaccine for all residents of your facility.
Facility staff (medical director or licensed nurses) must administer the influenza vaccine to all Medicaid-eligible residents.
The Department of Public Health requires that long term care facilities secure a physician’s order for the administration of the influenza vaccine. In reviewing the health care needs of a long term care resident, the attending physician may decide that the pneumococcal vaccine is indicated in addition to the influenza vaccine. The pneumococcal vaccine should also be billed by the supplying pharmacy.
Questions from long term care facilities should be directed to the department’s Bureau of Long Term Care at 217-524-7245. Pharmacy questions should be directed to the department’s Bureau of Pharmacy Services at 217-782-5565, ext. 7 .
Anne Marie Murphy, Ph.D.
Administrator
Division of Medical Programs