In May 2021, Virginia Premier and Optima Health partnered with Rite Aid to host a free COVID-19 vaccine clinic for our health plan members. With the goal of providing a free and easy way for members to get vaccinated, Virginia Premier and Optima Health worked together to get the word out via social media, community outreach flyers, and emails. Members registered for a time slot online to receive their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine and could return in exactly three weeks for their second dose. The clinic was a success with almost 150 members getting fully vaccinated.
At Virginia Premier, we know how important it is to ensure our members are as healthy as possible. We wanted to create a clinic experience that would fit into members’ busy schedules but also be relaxed and welcoming. We always aim to understand our members’ needs, challenges, and thoughts. During the second week of our vaccine clinic, we reached out to members attending the clinic to ask about their experience and thoughts surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, we are excited to share what they said.
Virginia Premier CCC Plus Member:
Reva Mardres
Virginia Premier: Good Morning Reva, thank you for joining us today. Tell me a little bit about yourself, are you from Richmond?
Reva: I live in Goochland and I have three daughters and grandchildren. Two of my daughters, one is in North Carolina, one in South Carolina and the other one is with her father. I’m disabled and I live in a mobile home.
Virginia Premier: We recognize getting the COVID-19 vaccine is a personal choice, and if you don’t mind sharing with us, why did you choose to get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Reva: I don’t really know what made me decide to get it, I said “What the heck I might as well get it.” The nurse told me after my shot I might have some sinus problems, but I have bad sinuses anyway. I don’t know if that will really affect me.
Virginia Premier: That’s good to know. You look healthy and we are glad you came to get your second dose with us.
Reva: I’m glad I did.
Virginia Premier: What do you want to tell others who are hesitant about getting the vaccinated. Should others get vaccinated?
Reva: I think they should, especially with all these other strains. I’m hoping the vaccine will help those too.
Virginia Premier CCC Plus Member:
Valerie Jefferson-McCall
Virginia Premier: Good morning. Let’s start by telling me a little bit about yourself.
Valerie: My wife and I are from New York and we moved here seven years ago to Richmond, Virginia. Away from the city.
Virginia Premier: We recognize that getting the COVID-19 vaccine is a personal choice. If you don’t mind sharing your decision, why did you choose to get your COVID-19 vaccine?
Valerie: I guess, protection for myself and all. I was a little leery, but I would rather get it now. They’re saying that a lot of people are getting vaccinated and things are opening back up – so I’m going to be safe.
Virginia Premier: In about 2 weeks after your vaccine has boosted your immunity to the coronavirus, tell me what you’re looking forward to doing that you can’t do now?
Valerie: I want to go out to a restaurant and enjoy some food and the weather.
Virginia Premier CCC Plus Member:
Connie Gill
Virginia Premier: We recognize that getting the COVID-19 vaccine is a personal choice but if you don’t mind sharing your decision, we’d like to ask why did you choose to get your COVID-19 vaccine?
Connie: I talked to my primary care doctor and she got the vaccine when it first came out, as well as her husband, who is also a doctor. I have a lot of risk factors; I’m a lung cancer survivor, I have high blood pressure, diabetes, and the list goes on.
I’m trying to find out what I need to tell my daughter (who lives with me) because she has multiple autoimmune disorders. I have to do more research so her autoimmune doesn’t flare up. One of the nurses inside told me to check in with her gastroenterologist to help keep it under control.
Virginia Premier: What do you want to tell others who were hesitant about getting the vaccine? Should others get vaccinated and why?
Connie: It’s a personal choice. Every person is different; their health risks are different, and their lifestyle.
Virginia Premier: Is there anything about your experience with us that you would like to add that I might have forgotten to ask?
Connie: I had no problem. It doesn’t take a lot of time; it was a great setup and it worked very well.
