The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has updated its recommendations for the 2016-2017 influenza season. As stated in the August 26, 2016, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), the nasal spray live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) should not be used during the upcoming influenza season, as recent data demonstrates relatively lower effectiveness than injectable influenza vaccines. Consequently, AmeriHealth will not cover LAIV, marketed as FluMist^® Quadrivalent, for our members during the 2016-2017 season.

As a reminder, AmeriHealth covers influenza vaccines in accordance with the published recommendations from the ACIP. The updated ACIP guidelines are available here.

AmeriHealth will continue to cover injectable influenza vaccines for managed care members during the 2016-2017 influenza season. The CDC recommends annual influenza vaccination for all individuals six months of age and older.

More information on the coverage of the influenza vaccine for AmeriHealth members will be available in the News and Announcements section of our Medical Policy Portal.