Building a Community of Immunity: Cigna Employees Share Why they Chose to get Vaccinated

Aug 25, 2021

The United States is currently seeing a surge in coronavirus cases due to the Delta variant, which is proving to be much more infectious than the original SARS-CoV-1 strain of the virus.

Approximately 57% of the total U.S. population have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, so we have made some progress towards herd immunity. But we are not there yet. The Delta variant makes getting vaccinated more important than ever, as the CDC reports that “virtually all hospitalizations and deaths continue to be among the unvaccinated.”

At Cigna, we believe so strongly in the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine, that we’re giving away two trips valued at $15,000 each to two lucky vaccinated employees as part of our Community of Immunity Getaway Giveaway. Additionally, for vaccinated employees who are enrolled in the Cigna Medical Plan, we’re offering a $200 well-being incentive award.

Below we feature some of our own Cigna employees who chose to get the vaccine. Perhaps their stories will inspire you to do the same.

Dan Aleckson, case management manager, Minnesota

"Our six-year-old daughter Ellie has Down syndrome and has been hospitalized before for respiratory viruses. My wife and I got vaccinated the moment we could to give her the best chance at making it through this pandemic safely. We are so grateful that modern medicine gives us the opportunity to help ourselves, and others, combat this disease."

Angelina Raymond, revenue account specialist, Illinois

"My Dad passed away after a hard fight with COVID-19. From that point on, getting my Mom vaccinated was constantly on my mind. When we were finally able to get vaccinated, I cried knowing that even though COVID-19 took my Dad, it is much less likely it will take my Mom away from me too."

Liese Morrissey, operations director, New Jersey

"My husband and I were anxious about getting the vaccine, but when our daughter Izzy said 'it’s not about us, it’s about Pop and Gram,' we knew we needed to do it for them and others who could get sick. Now family dinners are back and we get to spend more time with them."

Komal Talreja, staff phamacist, Ohio

"On April 15, two weeks after my second vaccine dose, I left for India to help my Mom through chemotherapy. When I arrived, the Delta variant was rampant and it was scary. I felt so lucky that I got vaccinated so I could help my Mom and return safely."

Jason Jensen, operations director, New Jersey

"On January 11, my wife and I welcomed our first child Olivia Hope. As I sat in the hospital room, I found out I could get the vaccine on that same day. I did it to protect my family and, as a volunteer fireman, to protect my community too."

Samantha Merwin, account manager, national accounts

"As a licensed EMT, I have been volunteering with our local pharmacy to vaccinate hundreds of people. I was able to vaccinate my child, which was an incredibly moving experience, and many of my friends. For me, it’s not just about our family, it’s about protecting our community."