Premier League chief executive Richard Masters and Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston have urged footballers to set an example and ensure they are fully vaccinated. As a result of matches being postponed and concern for player health, Masters has written to all 20 Premier League clubs urging the importance of getting vaccinated.
Richard Masters said “We have collectively highlighted the importance of vaccination and it has never been more important. Please strongly encourage those who are not fully vaccinated to become so, and the many who are, to get their booster, which appears to be the only significant layer of protection against the Omicron variant.”
Hammers manager David Moyes recently admitted some of his players were yet to receive their first vaccination but confirmed the club were doing all they can to encourage them do take it.
David Moyes said “We are getting quite a lot of boosters, and if there is anybody still short of a second vaccination [they will be offered it], and yes we have got some players who have not taken their first injection but we think they may take it this weekend. We have got some doctors and nurses coming to help us at the weekend [December 18-19] and hopefully, it will see a few more people closer to being vaccinated than not so I think it is important we really try to get as many vaccinated and healthy as we can.”
Masters was not the only man to encourage a greater uptake with UK Minister of Sport Nigel Huddleston stressing the need for the general population to be vaccinated.
Richard Masters said “Getting the jab is the socially responsible thing to do. The most important thing anyone – including footballers – can do to protect themselves, co-workers and loved ones is to get vaccinated and get a booster.”
The most recent figures from the Premier League surrounding player vaccination rates were released in October and showed that just 68% of players in the top flight were vaccinated. With the spread of the Omicron variant, footballers as role models have received particular attention in regard to their vaccination status. The rate of footballers vaccinated is roughly in line with the general male population aged between 20 and 30 according to The Guardian, yet because of their public profile Premier League stars have seen greater scrutiny on their vaccine uptake.
