#USA #Sanofi #Nuvaxovid #USA Pickleball #Morristown, NJ and Scottsdale, AZ

Sanofi and USA Pickleball Partner for 'Serve Up Protection'

In an impactful collaboration, Sanofi and USA Pickleball have introduced a new campaign titled "Serve Up Protection." This initiative aims to raise awareness among older adults about COVID-19 and the NUVAXOVID vaccine, the only protein-based, non-mRNA COVID-19 vaccine approved by the FDA. Despite the evident risks COVID-19 poses to the elderly, data indicates that nearly 70% of individuals aged 65 and older remain unvaccinated. Many cite concerns over potential side effects that accompany vaccinations as a significant barrier to receiving them.

The campaign's primary goal is to facilitate educational outreach during the respiratory season, leveraging multimedia tools, reputable voices within the pickleball community, and engagement at major pickleball events. One such event will be USA Pickleball’s National Championships, scheduled for November in San Diego, where attendees will receive information on vaccination and health management.

Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy

Older adults have increasingly taken up sports like pickleball to maintain an active lifestyle. However, many also confront age-related changes in immune response and chronic health conditions that elevate their COVID-19 risk. For these reasons, vaccination is crucial. Unfortunately, misinformation around vaccine side effects often leads to hesitancy among this demographic.

Sriram Jambunathan, Head of Marketing and Commercial Strategy for US Vaccines at Sanofi, articulated the campaign's mission, stating, "Concerns about potential vaccine side effects can prevent older adults from getting vaccinated, as they worry about any disruptions to their daily lives. By partnering with USA Pickleball through 'Serve Up Protection,' we aim to educate seniors on how NUVAXOVID offers effective protection against COVID-19 while maintaining manageable side effects."

Christian Portaro, Vice President of Partnerships at USA Pickleball, endorsed the initiative, noting, "USA Pickleball is committed to forging partnerships that enrich our community's enjoyment of the sport. As more individuals from diverse age groups embrace pickleball, we take pride in our collaboration with Sanofi to impart vital health knowledge that empowers individuals when making health decisions. Enhancing understanding of risks and preventive measures helps keep our community active and connected."

Insights on NUVAXOVID

In clinical trials, NUVAXOVID has shown significant efficacy against COVID-19, with most reported side effects being mild to moderate. These side effects typically do not interfere with routine activities. According to the FDA, while rare severe side effects can occur, the vast majority of experiences reported were manageable.

The vaccine, developed through recombinant technology, has an established safety profile and is vital for public health strategies aimed at overcoming vaccination hesitancy. NUVAXOVID is particularly important given the ongoing challenges that COVID-19 presents, especially for those with serious underlying health conditions, including chronic lung disease, cardiovascular issues, and diabetes.

Sanofi is aggressively expanding the availability of NUVAXOVID, having already launched it in the US, Taiwan, and Morocco. Starting in 2026, the company plans to offer the vaccine more widely, including in the UK, Germany, and Canada.

Vaccination Recommendations

Given the heightened risks associated with COVID-19 among older adults, vaccination is not merely recommended; it is imperative. NUVAXOVID has been specifically demonstrated to be effective for individuals aged 65 and older, as well as for those aged 12 to 64 who are at an increased risk of severe illness. The vaccine does not contain the live virus that causes COVID-19, meaning it cannot give recipients the disease.

For those hesitant about vaccination, it's crucial to consult healthcare professionals to discuss any concerns and determine whether NUVAXOVID aligns with individual health needs. For further information about the campaign and vaccination options, individuals can visit NUVAXOVID.com.

Through this collaborative effort between Sanofi and USA Pickleball, the 'Serve Up Protection' campaign endeavors to promote awareness and encourage vaccinations among older adults, ultimately aiming to safeguard the health of the most vulnerable populations in our communities.