Karl-Anthony Towns, the New York Knicks center, described 2026 as a remarkable year, highlighted by winning the NBA Championship and marrying Jordyn Woods in August. However, he reflected on the painful experience of 2020, when he lost his mother, Jacqueline Cruz-Towns, to COVID-19 at age 58, along with several other family members on his mother’s side. Towns shared how the early pandemic period was chaotic and confusing, with the virus spreading largely uncontrolled in the US before vaccines became available.

Despite being out of the pandemic phase, COVID-19 remains a health threat as the virus continues to circulate, sometimes causing severe illness, hospitalization, or long COVID. According to CDC data from February 2026, only 17.5% of American adults had received their COVID-19 vaccines for the 2025-26 season, even though vaccine protection wanes after four to six months and annual vaccination is recommended. Long COVID continues to pose significant health and economic challenges in the US.

Because of his family losses and his asthma, which puts him at higher risk, Towns is actively promoting vaccination. He highlighted the NUVAXOVID vaccine, developed by Novavax and marketed by Sanofi in the US, EU, and UK, which utilizes recombinant protein technology rather than mRNA. Towns expressed appreciation for this non-mRNA vaccine option, noting he chose NUVAXOVID himself, especially since an updated version targeting the XFG variant recently became available.

Towns’ efforts with Sanofi focus on raising awareness about COVID-19 vaccination amid ongoing virus circulation and seasonal surges. While savoring his personal and professional successes this year, Towns emphasized the importance of protecting health through vaccination as society adapts to living with COVID-19. With the Knicks preparing for the new NBA season, his message urges the public to consider updated COVID-19 vaccines before the inevitable seasonal rise in cases.