Kaiser Permanente joins federal effort to vaccinate 70% of adults by July 4
The health system is giving $10 million in community grants and offering incentives such as trips to theme parks and national parks.
Photo: Zoranm/Getty Images
Kaiser Permanente has announced it is working in partnership with the White House in its goal to vaccinate 70% of adults in the United States by July 4.
The National Month of Action for the COVID-19 vaccine aims to get 70% of adults vaccinated with at least one shot less than four weeks from now.
To achieve this, Kaiser has launched several initiatives, including ImmUNITY Sweepstakes, to give 1,000 vaccine recipients Be Well Rewards that includes wellness retreats, healthy home meal deliveries, personal training equipment, gym memberships and family trips to theme parks and national parks.
The rewards program is open to anyone age 12 and older who has been vaccinated by Kaiser Permanente and all vaccinated Kaiser Permanente members – regardless of where they got vaccinated.
Kaiser is targeting 100 community-based organizations to receive $10 million in community grants to promote vaccine confidence messages and engage organizations such as churches and schools.
This funding is in addition to Kaiser's prior investment of $25 million in nearly 200 community-based organizations to increase vaccine access and build confidence in high-risk populations.
Kaiser is using emails, mailings and texts in messages tailored to individuals and populations, including an online audience of 18- to 30-year-olds.
Continued outreach will expand the organization's ongoing work to prioritize outreach to Black, Latino, Asian American, Pacific Islander and other disproportionately impacted communities.
Publication of a vaccine confidence tool kit shares best practices to help other health systems and vaccine providers accelerate vaccination rates.
When unvaccinated members see their physician and care team in person, Kaiser Permanente uses prompts to discuss vaccination in a personalized venue. When patients visit pharmacies and labs, they can use conveniently placed posters with QR codes to access vaccine clinics that are now available on a walk-in basis.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Kaiser has a presence in eight states and the District of Columbia, making it well positioned to connect with millions of Americans who are not yet vaccinated.
By launching these programs and incentives to engage unvaccinated individuals, Kaiser said it is aiming to increase confidence in the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine, and is providing easy access to receive it.
THE LARGER TREND
Kaiser Permanente has administered nearly 7 million shots since COVID-19 vaccinations began.
With its scale and experience in population health, the organization has partnered broadly with cities, states and other municipalities, as well as with community organizations and federally qualified health centers, to safely and equitably administer these shots.
As some of the first eligible to receive vaccinations, healthcare workers, with support from labor partners, played an essential role in encouraging others to get vaccinated as soon as possible, Kaiser said.
In other health systems, such as Houston Methodist in Texas, over 100 employees have balked at mandates to get vaccinated.
According to the White House, 63% of adult Americans had been vaccinated as of June 2, including 73% of Americans aged 40 and over.
COVID-19 cases and deaths have plummeted as a result, with cases falling more than 90% since January 20. Deaths are down over 85% in that time period.
Nearly 600,000 Americans have died from COVID-19 since the pandemic began in early 2020.
ON THE RECORD
"The U.S. vaccination effort has been a tremendous and inspiring undertaking, and Kaiser Permanente is proud to have played our part to quickly and safely protect Americans from the most immediate threat to the health of our nation. From standing up mass vaccination sites to deploying mobile clinics that have reached the most vulnerable populations, we've made every effort to vaccinate our communities," said Kaiser Permanente chair and CEO Greg A. Adams.
Twitter: @SusanJMorse
Email the writer: susan.morse@himssmedia.com
