Inspiring Vaccination – Our Approach
Since the onset of the pandemic, CareFirst has prioritized clear communication and education through partnerships, outreach and resources.
The national vaccination effort was a critical turning point for us as a leader in both healthcare and our community. Committed to leading by example, CareFirst launched the "Better Together" campaign to promote immunization across our region. We also created the Better Together Pledge for our workforce and fellow business leaders to sign and commit to getting the vaccine when they were eligible and able.
Protecting the health and safety of those we serve had to start with us. In August 2021, CareFirst issued a requirement for every member of our workforce and Board of Directors to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, or acquire a medical or religious exemption. We knew the vaccines were a sensitive and deeply personal decision for some. We provided opportunities for open and safe discussion as well as clinically sound information and resources.
There was no playbook to help guide us through each stage of the pandemic. There still isn’t. That’s why we built this case study. We believe it’s important to share our experiences, lessons and the decisions we’ve made with others navigating the same questions. We invite you to use the insights and resources on this site to direct your own vaccine requirement, adjusting where necessary to fit your organization’s needs and culture.
We are better together.
A Message From Our CEO
“As a leading healthcare organization, it is our responsibility to do OUR part to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health and well-being of our members, workforce and communities. Requiring vaccinations represents our role in championing efforts to safeguard the health and wellness of our families and the communities we serve.”
Brian D. Pieninck, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, President & CEO
Our Goal
Protect our community and each other by achieving target vaccination rates
The health of our communities depends on each of us taking part in this historic national vaccination effort. With COVID-19 variants widely circulating, getting vaccinated is more critical than ever.
What We Did
Make COVID-19 vaccination a requirement for our workforce
On August 16, 2021, we announced that COVID-19 vaccinations would be required for our workforce, Board of Directors and guests.
Our Results
95% of CareFirst employees are fully vaccinated
Most of our employees were fully vaccinated by November 1, 2021, and 4% have received a medical or religious exemption. Only 1% decided to separate from CareFirst employment.
Our Timeline
December 2020
Vaccine Became Available in Limited Supply
February 2021
Launch of "Better Together Campaign"
August 2021
Made Vaccine Requirement Announcement
September 2021
Launched Vaccine Attestation Process
October 15, 2021
Deadline for Completing Attestation
November 1, 2021
Deadline for Fulfilling Vaccine Requirement
Human Resources
We know vaccination is the best way to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. Therefore, we needed to remain focused on developing strategies to address the needs of those we serve, even if some associates would decide to leave the company. We asked ourselves two important questions: Who are we as a company? Who do we want to be in the future?
In this video, HR leadership shares how and why CareFirst announced our intent to require COVID-19 vaccination.
Internal Communications
Decisions about vaccinations are complex and personal. Throughout the vaccine requirement rollout, we listened, educated and encouraged our workforce. Above all, we were thoughtful in our approach. We recognize that how we managed discussions positively impacted our results.
In this video, learn the importance of communicating with transparency, consistency and empathy.
External Communications
We provided and continue to provide real-time data and information to educate and inform our communities about COVID-19 and vaccination. As a healthcare company, we are champions of community health, and the announcement of our vaccine requirement exemplifies who we are as a company.