GSK and Earvin “Magic” Johnson to Host Community Awareness Events about Older Adult Risk for RSV at YMCA Locations

GSK plc (LSE/NYSE: GSK) and YMCA of the USA will host GSK’s Sideline RSV “Community Conversations” event series as part of their campaign efforts to raise awareness about RSV infection in older adults. The events will take place at four YMCA locations across the country (Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City and Phoenix), joined by GSK’s campaign spokesperson Earvin “Magic” Johnson, to help spark important conversations about RSV, a common, contagious respiratory virus.^1,2 Kicking off in September and running through RSV Awareness Month in October, the private events will include perspectives from medical professionals, and patients and convene public health leaders, media, and 60+ YMCA members.

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“As a dedicated public health advocate, I’m excited to be able to visit older adults in their communities to talk about their risk for RSV infection,” said Johnson. “Like many of us, and being over 60 myself, I used to be unaware of the effect that RSV can have on older adults. Now, I’m passionate about educating others and encouraging them to understand their risks and be proactive about their health.”

Adults at highest risk for severe RSV infection include older adults, and adults with certain underlying medical conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma or chronic heart failure (CHF).¹ Each year approximately 177,000 adults 65 and older are hospitalized in the US due to RSV and an estimated 14,000 of those cases result in death.³ For adults 60 and older, some data suggest that there is an increased risk for severe RSV infection that can lead to hospitalization.^4,5

“We are beyond excited to host these events with GSK and Magic Johnson as the efforts align with the spirit and ultimate goal of the Y, which is to strengthen the foundations of community through improved individual and community wellbeing,” said Heather Hodge, Y-USA’s Senior Director of Equity, Access, Engagement and Health Approaches. “Our hope is these events will help ensure older adults and their loved ones understand the reality of RSV infection and have the information they need so that they can take action to protect themselves.”