ALBANY - Governor David Paterson announced that insurers must cover seasonal flu and novel H1N1 vaccinations for children who are aged 19 and younger and enrolled in comprehensive health plans. The policy is consistent with New York’s preventive and primary care provisions known as the Child Wellness Law, which require insurance coverage for vaccinations recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This year, ACIP has advised that children should receive both the seasonal flu and novel H1N1 vaccines. Therefore, under State law, they must be covered and not subject to co-payment, co-insurance or annual deductible.

“As we prepare for the upcoming flu season and the expected resurgence of the novel H1N1 virus, we are working to ensure that New York’s families have access to the resources they need to keep their children healthy,” Paterson said.