Health Officials Launch New Vaccination Initiative For College Football Fans, Urge Precautions For Labor Day
Bryant Denny Stadium at the University of Alabama
Health officials are urging residents to be cautious during the Labor Day weekend, as the delta variant of the coronavirus continues to spread across the state. University of Alabama at Birmingham epidemiologist, Suzanne Judd, said it’s important to make safe choices this weekend to prevent a spike in COVID-19 cases.
“What we do this Labor Day weekend could help end the delta variant surge or make it far worse,” Judd said.
In a press conference Thursday, UAB health experts urged people to get vaccinated and recommended masking indoors regardless of vaccination status.
“Masking during the Labor Day weekend could prevent at least 3,500 and as many as 6,000 cases over the next week,” Judd said.
This week, Alabama passed 700,000 COVID-19 cases for the first time since the pandemic began. Hospitalizations at UAB have remained at a high level for the past few weeks which has put a strain on the hospital. Compared to earlier in the pandemic, the patients are a lot healthier and younger. The average age of those hospitalized with COVID-19 is now 55 years old. The majority are unvaccinated.
Judd said she’s concerned about COVID spreading during the college football season.
“It’s the perfect storm for Alabama … yelling, screaming next to strangers in a stadium. Wearing a mask can help,” Judd said.
The Alabama Department of Health is trying to reduce that risk. The COVID vaccine will now be offered at college football games across Alabama, under a new partnership announced Thursday between the state health department and Bruno Event Team.
“This is the best college football in the country, right here in Alabama,” said Gene Hallman, president and CEO of Bruno Event Team. “So why not use this platform to convince people that they need to take that first dose?”
Football fans will be able to get vaccinated at certain games at 13 universities: the University of Alabama, University of West Alabama, University of South Alabama, University of North Alabama, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama A&M, Alabama State, Jacksonville State, Auburn, Samford, Miles, Tuskegee, and Troy.
The schedule for those games is available on the new vaccination campaign website. People who get their shot at a game will receive a $75 gift card for team merchandise. Attendees can also get vaccinated within a two-week period before a game and upload their vaccination card to the campaign website to receive the gift card.
As part of the campaign, called “Kick COVID,” student-athletes and Miss Alabama, Lauren Bradford, will promote vaccines on social media, television and in-person at some games.
WBHM’s Janae Pierre contributed to this story.
Mississippi’s tech scene is in a catch-22. How can it move forward?
Mississippi ranks near the bottom for the size of its tech industry. But despite its shortcomings, some believe the state is not far from its own tech boom.
Jason Reynolds’ favorite thing is being alone
Jason Reynolds writes stories that meet kids where they're at, as full, complex people. He talks with Rachel about the value of being a crier, and his restless approach to living life to its fullest.
Flight carrying 242 people bound for London has crashed in Ahmedabad, India
An Air India flight with 242 passengers and crew that was bound for London crashed in India's northwestern city of Ahmedabad shortly after departure.
London-bound Air India flight with more than 240 aboard crashes in Ahmedabad, India
A Boeing 787 crashed into a residential area in Ahmedabad city five minutes after taking off. The flight was bound for London's Gatwick Airport. There were 232 passengers and 12 crew members onboard.
Public media funding up in the air as House prepares to vote on claw backs
public-media-funding-up-in-the-air-as-house-prepares-to-vote-on-claw-backs
She served the American people for 35 years. Now her retirement income is on the line
As part of Trump's "Big, Beautiful Bill," the House voted to end a retirement supplement aimed at helping federal employees who retire before they're 62.
