As the official health plan of the Seattle Kraken, Premera recently partnered with Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH) to help Kraken fans stay ahead of the game with COVID-19 booster clinics. These clinics were part of an ongoing effort between the Seattle Kraken, VMFH, and Premera to shutout the virus and increase access to vaccines. The clinics took place in the Climate Pledge Arena before the first puck dropped over the course of three home games, and provided anyone ages five and older the opportunity to receive a COVID-19 booster without an appointment.
“As the official medical care provider of the Seattle Kraken, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health was excited to partner with Premera and the Seattle Kraken to provide over 325 doses of COVID-19 vaccine boosters over three games this month,” said Eric Wymore, vice president of Pharmacy at VMFH. “We heard from fans that booster appointments were hard to find locally and so we set out to bring vaccines directly to Kraken fans and Climate Pledge Arena staff during the game. The reaction was overwhelmingly positive, and many fans were excited to be able to complete their booster and continue to protect themselves from severe COVID disease and hospitalization.”
Over the course of three months, the partnership between Premera, VMHF, and the Kraken supported five vaccine clinics and has provided 825 doses of COVID-19 boosters. The first two clinics took place at the Kraken Community Iceplex during the holiday season and gave attendees a chance to enjoy holiday activities, giveaways, and meet Santa while getting a vaccine.
Premera’s partnership with the Seattle Kraken is also an opportunity to connect with the community on mental health. In January, Premera sponsored Hockey Talks – a month-long campaign aimed at raising awareness and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health. The campaign features Kraken players sharing their real-life experiences with mental health, and includes a new ad called “Skate Marks.” The ad began airing in mid-January and will run through the remainder of the 2022 NHL regular season.
Watch this episode of Local Lens Seattle for a look inside the Hockey Talks game day experience, and our COVID-19 booster clinics!
