In May 2023, NFL Alumni launched the “GEAR UP, Against Shingles!” campaign, a community outreach and education campaign, in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

During its first year, NFL Alumni focused its education efforts on the state of Tennessee. Beginning in October 2024, NFL Alumni is expanding its efforts to the state of Louisiana.

Several former NFL players are lending their voices and encouraging adults aged 50+ to keep themselves healthy and make an informed decision about getting the Shingles vaccine.

About 1 in every 3 people in the United States will have shingles in their lifetime. As you get older, your risk for having shingles and serious complications increases. Getting the shingles vaccine is the only way to protect against shingles.

NFL Alumni is teaming up with the CDC and state and local health departments to educate older adults about shingles and benefits of vaccination. As part of the Campaign, NFL Alumni is engaging former NFL players to offer public service announcements, share messages via social media, and host events to raise awareness of the importance of shingles vaccination.

The “GEAR UP, Against Shingles!” campaign embodies the triple mission of NFL Alumni, of “Caring for our Own,” “Caring for Kids,” and “Caring for the Community.”