The County of San Diego COVID-19 Vaccination Strategy

About the Program

Category: Health (Best in Category)

Year: 2022

The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine presented significant challenges as it was one of the largest vaccination efforts the nation has undertaken. A large portion of responsibility for coordination fell on county governments for California’s rollout. While the County of San Diego (County) regularly provides various vaccinations, it does so as the safety net provider for those who may be uninsured or underinsured. In Fall of 2020, before the COVID-19 vaccinations were approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the County developed a COVID-19 Vaccination Plan that is built upon the principals of convenience, confidence, reducing complacency, communication, and cultural responsiveness. As part of this plan, multiple strategies were employed that focus on equity; early, active, and sustained engagement of community partners; utilization of scientific evidence and data; proactive transparency and communication; clear goals and measurable results; and culturally responsive hiring and staffing practices. These strategies included enhancing the region’s vaccination ecosystem, providing leadership to over 600 San Diego County vaccination providers, innovative communication strategies to assist in reducing barriers and misconceptions about the vaccine, and regularly monitoring and sharing data. The result was San Diego County achieving vaccination rates among the highest in California.