To combat low vaccination rates among older adults ahead of the respiratory season, Sanofi and USA Pickleball have teamed up to launch the “Serve Up Protection” campaign, a national initiative promoting COVID-19 prevention education and highlighting NUVAXOVID™ (COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted), a FDA-approved, protein-based, non-mRNA option.
Despite facing an elevated risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and long-term complications from COVID-19 due to age-related immune changes and underlying health conditions, nearly 70% of adults aged 65 and older remain unvaccinated. Health officials note that vaccine hesitancy in this demographic is often driven by uncertainty surrounding evolving guidance and apprehension about potential side effects that could disrupt active lifestyles.
“Concerns about potential vaccine side effects can be a barrier to vaccination for older adults, who don’t want disruption in their daily lives and hobbies,” Sriram Jambunathan, head of Marketing & Commercial Strategy, US Vaccines at Sanofi, said. “By teaming up with USA Pickleball on ‘Serve Up Protection,’ we’re educating older adults that NUVAXOVID can help provide powerful protection against COVID-19 with manageable side effects.”
The campaign will utilize multimedia education, trusted voices within the pickleball community, and interactive fan experiences at major tournaments, culminating at the USA Pickleball National Championships in San Diego this November.
“At USA Pickleball, we’re committed to creating meaningful partnerships that help our community enjoy the sport for years to come,” Christian Portaro, vice president of Partnerships at USA Pickleball, said. “By helping players better understand risk and prevention options, we’re supporting their ability to stay active, connected and on the court.”
Clinical data from pivotal Phase 3 trials indicate that NUVAXOVID demonstrates high efficacy against the virus, with the majority of reported side effects falling into mild-to-moderate categories that do not impede daily activities. As a protein-based vaccine relying on established recombinant technology, it offers health care systems an alternative platform designed to address vaccine hesitancy and support routine immunization programs.
