Big Efforts To Vaccinate The Populace

“Vax for the Win” Program to Get More Californians Vaccinated by June 15

SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom May 27, launched “Vax for the Win,” a new multi-faceted vaccine incentive program designed to motivate Californians to get their vaccination leading up to the state’s reopening on June 15. The incentives aim to give an extra nudge to those who still need to get vaccinated against COVID-19, especially those in hard-to-reach communities, while also thanking everyone who has already been vaccinated.

More than 62.8 percent of Californians aged 12 plus are at least partially vaccinated, but an estimated 12 million people who are eligible still have not gotten a vaccine to protect their health and the well-being of their communities.

All Californians aged 12+ who are at least partially vaccinated are automatically eligible for the cash prize drawings taking place in June. Thirty winners in total will be selected for the “$50,000 Fridays” cash prize drawings on June 4 and June 11, totaling $1.5 million. On June 15, $1.5 million will be awarded to 10 lucky Californians – for a grand total of $15 million in cash prizes. Winners must complete their vaccination in order to claim their prize. If someone under 18 wins, the cash will be put in a savings account for them until they turn 18.

The next two million people who begin and complete their COVID-19 vaccination will automatically be eligible to receive a $50 prepaid or grocery card, worth a total of $100 million. It gives them the option to select from a $50 Virtual Prepaid Card (which can be spent online, in-store where major debit cards are accepted, or added to a mobile wallet to be used to shop in stores that accept mobile wallets), or a $50 grocery gift card from Kroger (which includes Ralphs, Food 4 Less and Foods Co.) or Albertsons (which includes Safeway, Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions and Andronico’s Community Markets), while supplies last. Californians will receive a text message with an electronic prepaid card redemption code sent to their mobile phone or email address 7-10 days after their two-dose series of Pfizer or Moderna, or single dose of Johnson and Johnson. An incentive card will be held for those who start their vaccination at the launch of the program. Those who do not have a mobile phone or email address can receive a physical card by calling 1-833-993-3873, 7-10 days after receiving their final dose. Those without a permanent address can also call to coordinate delivery.

To schedule an appointment to be vaccinated, visit MyTurn.ca.gov or call the CA COVID-19 Hotline at 1-833-422-4255.

Details: COVID19.ca.gov/vax-for-the-win. 

L.A. County Public Health, Homeboy Industries Encourage COVID-19 Vaccinations

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health or Public Health and Homeboy Industries partnered together to promote the COVID-19 vaccinations in new public service announcements showcasing Father Greg Boyle and employees speaking about the importance of getting vaccinated, overcoming hesitancy and understanding the impact the virus has had on the community.

Public Health, Homeboy Industries and other partner agencies will continue to promote awareness and accurate information about the importance and safety of the COVID-19 vaccine.  The PSAs can be viewed below:

• Father Greg Boyle
• Van Huynh
• Jazmin Guerrero
• William Caviness
• Juan Mendoza
• Edin Madrid

The County continues to collaborate with community-based organizations, trusted community leaders, to engage residents in hard-hit communities, providing them with important COVID-19 health information and connecting them to vaccination resources and community support. 

Throughout the pandemic, Latino/Latinx and Black/African American residents and those who live in high poverty areas have seen disproportionately high numbers of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths.  Unfortunately, men, and men of color in particular, have significantly higher risk of dying from COVID-19 while males in Los Angeles County, specifically Black and Latino males, have lower vaccination rates. 

Last week, Homeboy Industries teamed up with the Office of Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Hilda L. Solis and several other community partners to bring COVID-19 vaccinations to highly-impacted community members. Homeboy Industries has facilitated access to over 575 COVID-19 vaccinations to date.

Over 15 community-based justice organizations participated in the event leading to close to 150 volunteers supporting the event. The vaccine clinic also featured community resources like free care kits, diapers and wipes, HIV testing, prepared meals, and food boxes among other items. This led to the distribution of nine tons of food boxes, four pallets of diapers and wipes, and 1,000 prepared meals thanks to Homeboy Industries Feed HOPE food insecurity initiative.

Details: www.VaccinateLACounty.com (English) and www.VacunateLosAngeles.com (Spanish).