The NFL Alumni Gulf Coast Chapter, Tulane University and the Louisiana Department of Health will host a mobile vaccination clinic from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 5, at the Jill H. and Avram A. Glazer Family Club at Yulman Stadium (2900 Ben Weiner Drive) on Tulane’s uptown campus.

Every eligible participant, ages 5 and up, can receive free Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines, including first and second doses and boosters. Those who are getting their first shot will receive a $100 debit card while supplies last. The event will feature giveaways, including swag and Tulane basketball tickets, free concession food and activities for kids, including face painting, candy, coloring books and t-shirts. Music and live coverage from a local radio station will round out the event. Attendees may also enter a free raffle to win a player-signed NFL Alumni football. Participants are encouraged to bring their LA Wallet or Vaccine Card (or a photo).

Five local NFL alumni are among the more than 80 players taking part in this national effort by the NFL Alumni Health, in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to build COVID-19 vaccination confidence. 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.

A former Tulane University (1982-85) and Seattle Seahawks defensive back, Curtis Baham is the NFL Alumni Gulf Coast Chapter President. He is joined by former Tulane teammate and alumni Lionel Washington, who played (1979-82) and coached (2012-15) for the Green Wave and spent 14 seasons as a defensive back in the NFL.

The Tulane duo will join Rickey Jackson, a former New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame linebacker, John Fourcade, a Gretna, La., native and former New Orleans Saints quarterback, Buford Jordan, an Iota, La., native and former New Orleans Saints and McNeese State running back and NFL Alumni Gulf Coast Chapter Vice President, Clarence Verdin, a Dulac, La., native and University of Southwestern Louisiana standout who played in the NFL for three different organizations. All will be on-hand to meet and greet participants and sign autographs.

“NFL Alumni’s mission is focused on caring for our own, caring for kids and caring for the community,” Baham said. “That’s why we’re excited to team up with the CDC, Louisiana Department of Public Health, and my alma mater, Tulane University, 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.”

“Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself, your family and your community from COVID-19,” Jackson said. “While vaccination is a personal choice, and I understand some may still have questions, it’s vitally important that you get all the facts from a trusted doctor or health care professional so you can make an informed decision.” 

Millions of people in the U.S. have received COVID-19 vaccines, which has undoubtedly saved many lives across the country. Despite the 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.

“It is our honor to work with NFL Alumni, CDC, the Louisiana Department of Health and the city of New Orleans to provide vaccines to our local community,” said Tulane University’s Dr. Gregory W. Stewart, medical director of the Professional Athlete Care Team. “As we all work together to end the pandemic, vaccinations are essential in moving forward.”

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