Medicare and Medicaid cover both the seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccines. Seniors are encouraged to get their seasonal flu vaccine as soon as possible. The vaccine that protects against the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus (sometimes called swine flu) is a separate vaccine and is available now. 
 
The first available doses of this vaccine should be given to those at highest risk of infection and complications such as children, pregnant women, health care workers and younger adults with certain medical conditions.There is some evidence that people 65 and older are less likely than younger people to be infected with the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. For more information about the seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccines, visit www.flu.gov.   

This article originally appeared in the December 2009 issue of AAKP Diet Tips & Bits.