Aiding the most vulnerable seniors with vaccines

Earlier this year, Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) companies committed to the Vaccine Community Connectors pilot initiative with the goal of vaccinating 2 million of the nation’s most vulnerable seniors against COVID-19. The program exceeded its goal in under 100 days, and as vaccine supply increased, BCBS companies expanded their reach to all persons eligible for the vaccines.

Joining with America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), BCBS companies used their data and analytic capabilities, combined with additional data on social factors that can create barriers to accessing vaccines, to identify those 65 and older in vulnerable and underserved communities who are most at risk. The project continues to promote greater health equity by removing obstacles to vaccinations.

“The most vulnerable people in our country have suffered disproportionately from the COVID-19 crisis, and we are determined to end this inequity,” said Kim Keck, BCBSA president and CEO. “Through this initiative, we are committing our unique resources—our people, our data and our enduring community ties—to quickly and equitably bring life-saving vaccines to those who need them most.”

The initiative builds on vaccination outreach and support activities that Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies around the country already have underway. 

"The most vulnerable people in our country have suffered disproportionately from the COVID-19 crisis, which is why we have been working side-by-side with industry partners to help millions of vulnerable Americans get vaccinated against the virus." - BCBSA CEO Kim Keck

BCBS companies continue to:

• Identify individuals vulnerable to COVID-19 and who live in areas where vaccination rates are most inequitable.
• Work with partners in the community to educate persons on the safety, efficacy, and value of COVID-19 vaccines.
• Contact those persons who are eligible to get a vaccine through multiple channels to make registration and appointment scheduling easier, answer questions, help them to understand when, where and how they can receive vaccines and remind them about any required second doses.
• Coordinate services, such as transportation, to help overcome barriers that may stand between them and being vaccinated.
• Work with federal, state, and local leaders to deliver vaccines to underserved communities and closely collaborate with pharmacy and other vaccination partners.
• Track progress to ensure that those who need vaccinations most are receiving them.

Additional Resources:

• Learn more about Vaccine Community Connectors.
• Read a release from America's Health Insurance Plans on reaching our goal.