Section 3.1: Target Population

In this section, we delve into the diverse target population within Congregate Care Settings, a category encompassing a wide range of facilities that provide care for individuals in need, including those with disabilities, mental illness, and older adults. CFH’s mission is to extend equitable vaccination services to these vulnerable populations, ensuring their protection against COVID-19 and other preventable diseases. The population of focus, as outlined in our contract, encompasses various demographic groups, including Black or African American, Hispanic and Latinx, Asian American, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, American Indian or Alaska Native populations, individuals residing in rural communities, those who are homebound, and individuals living in congregate care settings

Section 3.1.1: Demographics within Congregate Care Settings:

Congregate Care Settings encompass a wide spectrum of facilities that cater to individuals with unique healthcare needs, making it imperative to understand the diverse demographics within this population. Our mission is to provide tailored vaccination services to ensure the health and well-being of those residing in these settings.

Adults with Disabilities: Within Congregate Care Settings, CFH serves adults with disabilities, including physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities. These individuals often require specialized care and support, and our vaccination efforts take into account their specific needs.

Adults with Mental Illness: Mental health facilities and programs fall under the purview of Congregate Care Settings. CFH’s approach acknowledges the unique challenges faced by individuals with mental illness, and we strive to provide them with accessible vaccination services.

Older Adults: Many residents in these settings are older adults, including those in Skilled Nursing Facilities and Long-Term Care Facilities. Older adults have a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, and our vaccination efforts prioritize their safety and well-being.

Children with Disabilities: Some Congregate Care Settings serve children with disabilities, requiring specialized care and support tailored to their age and developmental stage. Our vaccination services consider the unique needs of pediatric populations.

Memory Care Residents: Memory care facilities, catering to individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, form a vital part of our outreach. We recognize the importance of ensuring their protection through vaccination.

Other Specialized Care: Additional populations within Congregate Care Settings may include individuals with specific medical conditions, such as those in rehabilitation centers or group homes. Our vaccination efforts are designed to address the distinct needs of these populations.

Section 3.1.2: Equity and Accessibility:

CFH is deeply committed to ensuring equity and accessibility in our vaccination efforts within Congregate Care Settings. We recognize that every segment of the population has unique needs, and our mission is to reach all residents effectively and equitably.

Collaboration with Infection Prevention Nurses: For Skilled Nursing Facilities, we collaborate closely with Infection Prevention (IP) nurses who possess in-depth knowledge of patient vaccination needs. Working hand-in-hand with IP nurses allows us to ensure that residents receive the appropriate vaccines. We also conduct a thorough review of the California Immunization Registry a few days before our clinics to confirm vaccine eligibility, guaranteeing that we bring the correct number of vaccines to each facility.

Tailored Approach for Long Term Care Locations: Long Term Care locations can vary significantly in size and available resources. For larger facilities, we adopt a similar approach to Skilled Nursing Facilities by working with IP or Change nurses to schedule clinics. However, for smaller Long Term Care facilities, which are often family-operated and have limited staff, we take a personalized approach. We collaborate directly with facility owners or managers, coordinating around their busy schedules to ensure a seamless vaccination process. Our concierge coordination services facilitate communication and build trust with these facilities, many of which may have previously partnered with large pharmacies and left dissatisfied with the service. We bring a community health approach that focuses on meeting the specific needs of each facility.

Board and Care Homes: Board and Care homes, typically small residential homes operated by families, benefit from our community-centered approach. We understand the unique challenges these facilities face, and we work closely with owners and managers to provide a tailored vaccination service that accommodates their schedules and priorities. Our goal is to establish trust and ensure that residents in Board and Care homes receive the vaccinations they need in a way that aligns with the facility's specific circumstances.

Our commitment to equity and accessibility extends to every corner of Congregate Care Settings, and our collaborative approach ensures that residents in these facilities receive the highest level of care and protection against vaccine-preventable diseases. We prioritize their well-being by tailoring our outreach strategies to meet their unique needs and circumstances.

Section 3.1.3: Vaccination Prioritization:

CFH’s vaccination efforts within Congregate Care Settings are guided by a clear set of prioritization criteria. These criteria help us direct our resources effectively to individuals who are at higher risk for exposure, infection, hospitalization, and mortality from COVID-19 and other vaccine-preventable diseases, including influenza.

Our prioritization criteria encompass several key factors:

Demographics: We prioritize populations with higher susceptibility to severe outcomes due to age or underlying medical conditions. This includes older adults, individuals with chronic health conditions, and those with compromised immune systems.

Congregate Setting Type: We consider the type of congregate care setting, such as Skilled Nursing Facilities, Long Term Care Facilities, and Board and Care Homes. Each setting may have distinct characteristics and healthcare needs, influencing our prioritization strategy.

Infection Rates: We closely monitor infection rates within Congregate Care Settings, especially for diseases like COVID-19 and influenza. Facilities experiencing higher infection rates are prioritized for vaccination clinics to mitigate the spread of diseases.

Vaccine Eligibility: We assess vaccine eligibility based on guidelines from health authorities and regulatory agencies. This ensures that vaccines are administered to those who meet the criteria, optimizing protection for vulnerable individuals.

Resource Availability: We consider the available resources within each facility, including staffing, medical equipment, and logistical support. Facilities with limited resources may receive special attention to ensure a smooth vaccination process.

Geographical Factors: Our prioritization also takes into account geographical factors. We focus on areas with higher concentrations of congregate care settings to maximize the impact of our outreach efforts.

Section 3.1.4: Geographical/Regional Focus:

CFH’s geographical and regional service area is designed to maximize the impact of our vaccination efforts while prioritizing equity and access. We are committed to serving communities that are most in need, with a particular emphasis on areas falling within the 1st and 2nd quartiles of the CDPH Health Equity Metric.

Our service area includes:

Communities in the 1st and 2nd Quartiles: We place a strong emphasis on communities identified in the 1st and 2nd quartiles of the CDPH Health Equity Metric. These quartiles are characterized by higher health disparities and socioeconomic challenges, making them a priority for our outreach and vaccination initiatives.

County Partner Recommendations: While our primary focus is on the 1st and 2nd quartiles, we maintain an open channel of communication with our county partners. County recommendations and insights are invaluable to us, and we are ready to extend our support to facilities that may fall outside our regional focus if identified as high-priority by our partners.

Section 3.1.5: Partnerships and Collaborations:

CFH’s commitment to providing effective vaccination services to congregate care settings is strengthened by our partnerships and collaborations with facilities, healthcare providers, and organizations serving these populations. These collaborations are essential to enhancing our outreach and ensuring access to vital vaccination services.

Some of our partnerships and collaborations include:

Skilled Nursing Facilities Engagement: Our dedicated homebound team actively engages with Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) by participating in staff meetings. This collaborative approach allows us to understand the unique needs of each facility and work together to develop tailored clinic processes that meet the specific requirements of SNFs.

Infection Prevention Nurse Roundtable: We are proud members of the Infection Prevention Nurse Roundtable, a platform where we connect with Infection Prevention (IP) nurses in congregate care facilities. By actively participating in these discussions, we gain valuable insights into the evolving needs of IP nurses and share information about the immunization services offered by CFH

County's Long-Term Care Sector Group: Our commitment to staying informed and updated within the long-term care sector is exemplified by our active involvement in the County's Long-Term Care Sector Group. This collaborative effort allows us to stay current on relevant updates and best practices within this population, ensuring that our services remain aligned with the latest standards and requirements.

These partnerships and collaborations are integral to our mission of providing equitable access to vaccinations for individuals in congregate care settings. By working closely with facilities, healthcare providers, and organizations, we not only enhance our outreach efforts but also contribute to the overall health and well-being of the populations we serve. Our commitment to collaboration ensures that our vaccination services are both effective and tailored to the unique needs of these communities.

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