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Superior HealthPlan, Pro Football Hall of Fame Launch COVID-19 Vaccination Awareness Effort

Date: 03/30/21

AUSTIN, Texas (March 30, 2021) – Centene Corporation and the Pro Football Hall of Fame have launched a PSA campaign to educate people across the U.S. about the safety and importance of the COVID-19 vaccine, with a particular focus on communities of color. As part of the Centene family, Superior HealthPlan is engaging Texans to encourage them to receive the COVID-19 vaccine when available to help prevent the spread of the virus. The 30-second PSA, which can be viewed here, features Hall of Famer Drew Pearson, who played his NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys.

To achieve “herd immunity,” officials have said roughly 80% of the U.S. population needs to be vaccinated. Multiple surveys have indicated many Americans are hesitant to receive the vaccine, especially within the Black community and other communities of color. Recent data shows Black populations make up 6% of individuals who have been vaccinated despite making up 13% of the population and accounting for 15% of all COVID-19 deaths.

“Uncertainty around the COVID-19 vaccine could lead some people to delay getting the shot, but the vaccination is the key to being able to return to many of the things we care about like safely spending time with family and friends,” said Dr. David Harmon, Chief Medical Director at Superior HealthPlan. “Through this campaign, we want to empower people to actively contribute to their health and wellbeing by informing them about the benefits of the vaccine.”

The PSA campaign launched nationally last week with PSAs from Hall of Famers ANTHONY MUÑOZ (in both English and Spanish), DARRELL GREEN, AENEAS WILLIAMS, and DREW PEARSON; LISA SALTERS, a Hall of Fame Selector and TV broadcaster; friends of the Hall DAWN STALEY, a three-time Olympic gold medal winner and coach of the 2017 national champion University of South Carolina women's basketball team; and IMAN MCFARLAND, Chief Operating Officer for 21st Century Expo Group and an ambassador for the Hall's and Centene's joint "Strong Youth Strong Communities" programming.

Each 30-second message can be previewed and downloaded here: Anthony Muñoz (English), Anthony Muñoz (Spanish), Darrell Green, Aeneas Williams, Drew Pearson, Lisa Salters, Dawn Staley, Iman McFarland. The campaign's 15- and 60-second versions can be found here.

“As we’ve seen throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re a team and need to work together to stop the virus from spreading,” said David Baker, President and CEO of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. “We recognize there are a lot of questions out there about the vaccine, so we want to make sure we’re reaching as many people as possible. We thank Drew for encouraging everyone to get vaccinated for the sake of their loved ones.”

The Pro Football Hall of Fame is Centene’s Official Youth Wellness Partner. Through the “Strong Youth Strong Communities” program, Hall of Famers have discussed important issues with youth, including mental health, suicide, and bullying. During the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual youth summits on these topics have been held in a number of states. For its work on these issues, the Hall of Fame was the recipient of the 2019 Booker T. Washington award from the National Minority Quality Forum.

Below are some of the key insights about the COVID-19 vaccine:

  • The COVID-19 vaccine provides the best chance for individuals to protect themselves and their families from getting COVID-19 in the future. The vaccine is highly effective, especially at preventing severe illness and hospitalization related to COVID-19.
  • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) carefully reviews all safety data from clinical trials and authorizes emergency vaccine use only when the expected benefits outweigh the potential risks.
  • Some individuals may run a fever after getting the vaccine. This is normal as their body builds immunity and fights off future COVID-19 exposures.

For more information about Superior HealthPlan and its healthcare support services, visit www.superiorhealthplan.com.