Showing Up for Health: Building Vaccination Awareness Together
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched Risk Less. Do More., a public education effort aimed at improving awareness around respiratory illnesses—especially flu and COVID-19. To meet people where they are, the campaign is teaming up with the HBCU Tailgate Tour, a celebration of Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the country. Together, they’re bringing convenient access to updated vaccines and clear, practical information to upcoming campus events.
Community, Culture, and Care at the HBCU Tailgate Tour
Rolling into campuses this fall, the HBCU Tailgate Tour will welcome fans, students, and alumni with a mix of celebration and care. At each stop, health and wellness take center stage. On-site vaccination activations will make it simple to get the latest flu and COVID-19 shots, while health resources and easy-to-understand educational materials help answer questions on the spot. Kenneth Washington, the tour’s sports marketing coordinator, puts it plainly: “It’s important to remember that health is wealth.” That core belief runs through the HBCU community’s shared commitment to health education and to making vaccination access straightforward, local, and welcoming.
Why Vaccination Matters Now
Respiratory viruses like the flu and COVID-19 don’t take a season off—but they do surge as temperatures drop. During the last respiratory virus season, more than 800,000 people were hospitalized. Black adults faced higher hospitalization rates than Latino and White adults. Those numbers underscore the campaign’s goal, which Jeffery A. Nesbit, HHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, describes as an effort “to increase confidence in vaccines that play an important role in preventing severe illness.” Risk Less. Do More. aims to give people trustworthy information so they can make confident, informed decisions before winter sets in.
What to Expect at Each Tour Stop
Every stop on the HBCU Tailgate Tour is designed as more than a vaccine clinic—it’s a vibrant community gathering. Attendees can listen to live DJs, join health and wellness seminars, sample healthy foods, and pick up clear, accessible resources about respiratory viruses. That mix turns information into something you can use right away. As May Malik, a senior advisor for public education campaigns at HHS, notes, “The campaign is working closely with federal agencies, as well as national and local partners, to amplify and extend the reach of the campaign.” The result: vaccination access paired with a sense of connection, learning, and care.
Upcoming Stops on the HBCU Tailgate Tour
The 2024 HBCU Tailgate Tour will visit several institutions and marquee events, including:
- Norfolk State University
- Austin Area Urban League HBCU Live Experience Football Classic
- Alabama State University
- Jackson State University
- Magic City Classic
- North Carolina A&T State University
- Bayou Classic
- MLK HBCU Invitational
These gatherings create space for celebration and care—bringing vaccination access and practical health education directly into the flow of campus life.
About Risk Less. Do More.
Risk Less. Do More. is HHS’s public education initiative focused on the importance of vaccination against influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The campaign’s goal is to increase vaccination rates during flu season and beyond, with particular attention to communities at higher risk. By offering clear information on vaccine availability and building confidence through trusted voices, the campaign works to reduce the health burden of these common—but potentially severe—illnesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of Risk Less. Do More.?
The campaign is designed to boost awareness and confidence in vaccines that help prevent severe illness from COVID-19, flu, and RSV.
How does the HBCU Tailgate Tour support public health?
It brings on-site vaccination opportunities, health resources, and easy-to-use educational materials to HBCU events, making preventive care more convenient and community-centered.
Where will the tour be?
The 2024 tour will appear at campuses and major events, including Norfolk State University, the Austin Area Urban League HBCU Live Experience Football Classic, Alabama State University, Jackson State University, the Magic City Classic, North Carolina A&T State University, the Bayou Classic, and the MLK HBCU Invitational.
Why prioritize vaccination for respiratory illnesses?
Vaccination helps prevent severe disease and reduces hospitalizations, which rise during colder months. It’s a practical step to protect yourself and your community.
How can I learn more about the campaign and tour?
Check official HHS communications and materials at tour stops for details about Risk Less. Do More. and how to access vaccines and educational resources.
