Westchester Calls Up Knicks To Help With Youth Vaccine Hesitancy

MAMARONECK, NY — This week, Westchester County Executive and Village of Mamaroneck Mayor Tom Murphy announced a dream-team line up, including NBA superstars Obi Toppin and Immanuel "IQ" Quickley, to help encourage young people to get vaccinated against coronavirus.

Monday's announcement launched the "I Kicked COVID to the curb!" campaign, which features a PSA filmed with the Knicks players. The short video features the athletes shooting baskets and urging everyone to get their shots.

"The more people who get vaccinated, the faster we can get back to normal times," Toppin says in the 30-second spot. Toppin proudly proclaims his status not just among the NBA elite, but also as an Ossining High School graduate.

Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau also makes a cameo in the new coronavirus vaccine PSA.

The Knicks were enlisted after county officials started to grow concerned that younger people, especially teenagers, were increasingly resisting calls to get vaccinated. Westchester health officials say that while the initial focus was on getting older residents and those with pre-existing medical conditions vaccinated, the spotlight is now squarely on those who are between 16- and 25-years-old.

“It’s been a long time since I was a teenager, but I remember what it was like," Latimer said. "When I was a young man I thought I was invincible and in some ways you are when you are young, but when it comes to COVID-19 you are not. Get vaccinated. Don’t let anything impact or threaten the very bright future you have ahead of you. It’s a simple, quick shot and it will help protect you and the people you love.”

In addition to the star power lent to the effort by the sports idols, Westchester also hopes to reach younger residents through a massive social media campaign tied to the basketball-themed public service video. Other initiatives intended to kick COVID to the curb include a planned youth town hall on May 13. The county will also work closely with local schools and libraries to reach out to eligible students.

"The New York Knicks and MSG are proud to work with Westchester County on this important initiative to encourage young people to get a COVID-19 vaccine shot," MSG Sports head of Social Impact Rich Constable said. "As the CDC has said, the available COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective and will allow all of us to get back to enjoying many of the activities we love — like playing basketball. We encourage everyone who has not yet been vaccinated to get their shot."