GEAR UP! Breathe Easier this Flu Season
Vaccines protect your immune system, reduce the impact of respiratory illnesses
By Al Smith, NFL Alumni Tennessee president, former All-Pro, Pro Bowl Houston Oilers linebacker
Millions of Americans get sick, and thousands die each year from respiratory illnesses like influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. They are a significant concern for public health, especially for the very young, the elderly and the immuno-compromised. The convergence of these illnesses, especially during seasonal peaks, can disrupt daily life and profoundly affect families and communities.
Understanding the broad impacts of these respiratory illnesses and getting the facts about how you can best protect yourself and loved ones can help us all prepare, respond, and build resilience.
In accordance with its core mission of “Caring for Our Kids” and “Caring for the Community,” the National Football League Alumni Association (NFL Alumni) is partnering with the Tennessee Department of Health in Tennessee on a statewide vaccine awareness and education campaign urging Tennesseans to GEAR UP! to make sure their bodies and immune systems are game ready.
We understand that respiratory illnesses are here to stay and are something we all need to learn to live with. During my time in the NFL, I was always working to prepare my body for game day. And just like how working out, eating healthy, and getting plenty of rest prepared me to tackle my opponent on the field, staying up to date on vaccinations prepares our immune systems to tackle illness in life.
Vaccines for COVID-19, flu, and RSV have helped save millions of lives, kept countless people out of the hospital, and provide peace of mind for parents, families, and entire communities. Those who have been vaccinated against respiratory illnesses generally have milder symptoms, recover quicker, and are less likely to be hospitalized. By stimulating the immune system to recognize and fight these pathogens, vaccines significantly reduce the severity of illness, hospitalizations, and deaths.
Beyond physical health, the persistent threat of respiratory illness can also have lasting effects on mental well-being. The fear of contracting or spreading a potentially life-threatening illness can lead to heightened levels of anxiety across communities. This only further strengthens the need for vaccination. Respiratory illness is just another risk in life we must all deal with and be prepared to handle.
While everyone in the community is at risk of contracting a respiratory illness, some groups are disproportionately affected. It’s up to all of us to do our part to reduce the spread of harmful viruses to protect the most vulnerable.
The GEAR UP! campaign is focused on historically underserved communities where access to quality health care and vaccines are challenged. Our goal is to raise awareness and improve access to lifesaving vaccines.
We want people to talk to their doctors or trusted health care professionals so they can get the facts and make an informed decision about what is best for them and the health of their families.
I urge all Tennesseans to GEAR UP! – stay healthy and game ready by preparing your bodies and immune systems.
To learn more about the GEAR UP! Tennessee campaign please visit, nflagearup.org/tennessee
