A campaign from NFL Alumni Health, in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), aims to build COVID-19 vaccination confidence in metro areas around the country – including in Chicago. Former Green Bay Packers running back and NFL Alumni Chicago President Michael Blair, former Chicago Bears defensive back and NFL Alumni Chicago Vice President Charlie Brown, former Kansas City Chiefs tight end and NFL Alumni Chicago Treasurer Simon Chandler, former Oakland Raiders tight end and NFL Alumni Chicago Secretary Ken Harris, are among the more than 50 players lending their voices to the education and awareness campaign. The effort encourages people to get informed, discuss their vaccine questions with their health care providers, and make the decision to get vaccinated. The initiative includes public service announcements, a campaign website, social media posts, and local events held in collaboration with health care providers and public health organizations.

To encourage vaccination, the NFL Alumni Chicago Chapter will team up with the Chicago Department of Public Health to host a mobile vaccination clinic at Hamilton Park, located at 513 W. 72nd Street, Chicago, IL 60621. The event, which will be held on Saturday, January 15, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., provides an opportunity for eligible participants ages five and up to receive free Pfizer BioNTech, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines, including first and second doses and boosters. The event will feature NFL Alumni giveaways. Attendees may also enter a free raffle to win a player-signed NFL Alumni football.

“NFL Alumni’s mission is focused on caring for our own, caring for kids, and caring for the community,” said Blair. “That’s why we’re excited to team up with the CDC and the Chicago Department of Public Health to promote vaccine education and awareness. If you have any questions about COVID-19 vaccines, I encourage you to talk to your doctor about your concerns so that you can make an informed choice about getting vaccinated.”

Blair, Brown, Chandler, Harris, and Angel Lopez, NFL Alumni Chicago Director of Member Relations will be on-hand to meet and greet participants and sign autographs.

Millions of people in the U.S. have received COVID-19 vaccines, which has undoubtedly saved many lives across the country. Despite widespread availability of vaccines and the emergence of new variants, millions of Americans have not yet opted to get vaccinated. The NFL Alumni effort encourages individuals who may be “on the fence” to talk with trusted health care providers and make an informed decision about getting vaccinated.

“As Chicago continues to see a surge in cases due to the Omicron variant, one thing is for sure – vaccines continue to protect very well against severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19, even more so when people have also had a booster dose,” said CDPH Commissioner Allison Arwady, M.D. “We are thankful for partners like NFL Alumni Health who are helping reach communities who still want to learn more about the vaccine and connect them with their shots.”

Nationally, more than 50 current and former NFL players are participating in the vaccination awareness effort, including 24 world champions, 38 Pro Bowlers, and 16 members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

NFL Alumni Health is a wholly-owned subsidiary launched by NFL Alumni, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, to improve the health and wellness of NFL Alumni members and the broader public.

Other NFL Alumni Chapter cities and regions participating in the program include Arizona, Atlanta, Baltimore, the Carolinas, Cincinnati, the Dakotas, Dallas, Detroit, the Gulf Coast, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Kansas City, New York/New Jersey, Northern California, the Pacific Northwest, Philadelphia, Richmond, Southern California, Tampa Bay, and Tennessee.

For more information about the campaign and resources, go to www.nflalumnihealth.org/covid-19.

About NFL Alumni and NFL Alumni Health

Founded in 1967 by a small group of successful retired NFL players, NFL Alumni is one of the oldest and most well-respected retired player organizations in professional sports. NFL Alumni’s mission is to inform, assist, and serve players in their post-NFL lives. NFL Alumni Health is a wholly-owned subsidiary of NFL Alumni, which is devoted to improving the health and wellness of NFL Alumni members as well as the general public, by providing informational resources, programs, and services. Visit www.nflalumnihealth.org.