The Los Angeles Rams partnered with Novavax to combat respiratory disease season. Both organizations aimed to “Protect the Rams House” with a vaccine clinic at the Hollywood Park Farmers’ Market on Saturday.
Rams fans were able to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Rams cheerleaders, mascot Rampage, and legend Todd Lyght were also present to engage with attendees at the Farmers’ Market.
“We’re spreading awareness, making sure that the community stays safe getting their flu shots and their vaccinations,” Lyght said. “For the community in general, especially when we’re gathering in large numbers and we’re getting together, it’s best to be safe and to protect the Rams house.”
Lyght helped the then St. Louis Rams win Super Bowl XXXIV.
Related Stories
Howard Golfer Marley Franklin is in Full Swing
Students Take Lead in Rugby Documentary
“It was a really, really magical year for us, winning the Super Bowl in St. Louis,” Lyght said. “Obviously, being the Rams’ first Super Bowl, it was a special moment in time.”
According to the L.A. County Department of Public Health, 6.1 percent of the African American population has received the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccinations. It can be difficult to convince a loved one the importance of taking the flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Having a conversation and showing research can be tools to convince them to update their vaccinations.
“People have a reason why they have not taken the vaccine. If we can get to the root of the why, then we can counter that with answers,” said Novavax executive director of clinical development Dr. Chijioke Bennett MD, MPH MBA. “When you win one person, what you’ve done is you’ve won every person the person talks to and whoever listens to them.”
While COVID-19 may not be making the same headlines as it did in 2020, it is still a threat to people with underlying health conditions.
“It’s not just about preventing death, which is a huge deal,” Bennett said. “We’re trying to get you away from being hospitalized or having a severe disease that costs you your daily activities that impact your finances.”
Rams fan Dennis Sanchez appreciated the franchise for making the vaccines more accessible.
“I usually try to get my flu shot at CVS Pharmacy and it’s usually a really long line, so I have to wait an hour, maybe an hour and a half, just to get it,” Sanchez said. “I got here right away … Got it in 10 seconds.”
