IE Health Plan’s Campaigns Look to Boost Vaccine Rates

To address the low COVID-19 vaccination rates in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) has organized a series of educational campaigns, community partnerships and stakeholder collaborations to provide access and educational support to unvaccinated residents. IEHP partnered with SAC Health and Loma Linda University Health to provide a COVID vaccine clinic at St. Paul AME Church in San Bernardino. The clinic aimed to increase vaccine access in the African American community.

According to state data, communities of color and Medi-Cal members rank among the lowest in vaccination rates in the two counties. In addition, case rates for COVID-19 positive patients in the region continue to dramatically fluctuate, posing ongoing uncertainty and risk.

“The COVID-19 vaccine is the most certainty we’ve had in fighting this virus,” said Dr. Takashi Wada, IEHP chief medical officer. “While it is possible to be vaccinated and still contract the virus, data shows the vaccine has been incredibly effective in reducing the impacts of the virus, thus reducing hospitalizations and deaths. That’s why receiving the vaccine is so critical.”