PORTLAND, Maine (AP) – Maine health insurers are taking steps to encourage swine flu shots to prevent spread of the disease, which has already contributed to five Maine deaths.

Officials for Aetna, Anthem, CIGNA, Harvard Pilgrim and United Health Care outlined those efforts Wednesday at a news conference with state health Director Dora Mills.

They are using a billing approach that enables vaccine clinics to be held around the state and to ease pressure on doctors’ offices. CIGNA, Harvard Pilgrim and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine are covering the administration of H1N1 vaccines as a preventive care benefit, with no deductibles or copays.

Aetna has a YouTube video aimed at children to reinforce messages about how to avoid spreading disease.