Footballers and vaccination

I thought this was an interesting article regarding Newcastle's situation which might shine a light on our own current problems:

https://www.theguardian.com/fo.....een-vaccinated-covid

Lots of the Newcastle players apparently haven't been vaccinated against Covid, despite the fact that one of their keepers was hospitalised with it earlier in the summer and still isn't well enough to resume training. Warnock has apparently stated that most of the Middlesbrough players aren't vaccinated either.

You'd have thought that one or two of the clubs might mandate it, so I wonder if any of them do? We obviously aren't outliers, other than perhaps the fact that we don't have the money to keep as 'Covid secure' as the big clubs.

I think a footballer should be able to go on holiday whenever they like

In “normal times” if a footballer (or any professional person) acted in a way that risked their health so that it rendered them incapable of fulfilling their work commitments, they would be disciplined or even sacked, especially if it damaged the business’ income.

Anecdotally, I’ve heard of more under 30s catching Covid lately than older people. If it was just their health that was affected it’s bad enough, but given the risk to others ……

Quoted from KingstonMariner

In “normal times” if a footballer (or any professional person) acted in a way that risked their health so that it rendered them incapable of fulfilling their work commitments, they would be disciplined or even sacked, especially if it damaged the business’ income.

Anecdotally, I’ve heard of more under 30s catching Covid lately than older people. If it was just their health that was affected it’s bad enough, but given the risk to others ……

The first paragraph is interesting, I wonder if insurance is an issue too? Or is it just age? Is it that many a footballer falls under 30 so they’ve only just been able to access it…although I’m sure they could’ve received one should they wish already.

I’m not sure a job can mandate anything like that if it’s not a legal requirement; I know of a schools, especially specialist settings that will advocate Hep B vaccinations, is this likely the only way of ‘forcing’ it. Advise rather than insist. We offer staff the chance for Hep B and Flu jabs should they so wish…

It’ll be interesting to see if not playing games just pisses players off to the point they have it.

It's hardly surprising when you have people under 30 looking up to twits on social media that twist the words of how the World Economic Forum think the world may look like in 2030 and that the virus isn't real etc.

Whilst clubs may not be able to insist their current squad has the jab, I wonder if any will start to demand new signings have it.

Rumours circulated at the Euros that the vaccine may have caused Christian Eriksen to collapse. I haven't seen his vaccine status confirmed anywhere but it's amazing how quick rumours can spread and leave a doubt in peoples mind.

Quoted from jamesgtfc

It's hardly surprising when you have people under 30 looking up to twits on social media that twist the words of how the World Economic Forum think the world may look like in 2030 and that the virus isn't real etc.

Whilst clubs may not be able to insist their current squad has the jab, I wonder if any will start to demand new signings have it.

Rumours circulated at the Euros that the vaccine may have caused Christian Eriksen to collapse. I haven't seen his vaccine status confirmed anywhere but it's amazing how quick rumours can spread and leave a doubt in peoples mind.

This post proves that the Red Cross thing is bizarre…surely, even if people disagree with what you’ve said it’s not worth the effort to Red Cross it.

You make a valid point…I’ve seen/heard that rumour too, I was sent a link to some story about it by a huge advocate of the vaccine, not some naysayer. I guess we’ll never know. Is it really important for anyone to know his medical history, injuries yes, full medical history, outside of football? No, not really…

I guess over time we’ll probably see clubs try and find loopholes to enforce it…who the intercourse knows…

Quoted from aldi_01

This post proves that the Red Cross thing is bizarre…surely, even if people disagree with what you’ve said it’s not worth the effort to Red Cross it.

You make a valid point…I’ve seen/heard that rumour too, I was sent a link to some story about it by a huge advocate of the vaccine, not some naysayer. I guess we’ll never know. Is it really important for anyone to know his medical history, injuries yes, full medical history, outside of football? No, not really…

I guess over time we’ll probably see clubs try and find loopholes to enforce it…who the intercourse knows…

I was starting to doubt seeing that rumour circulate so thanks for clearing up that it did exist!

Whilst there are some people who believe everything the see in the news, whether that's BBC, Daily Mail, The Sun, Guardian or whatever else they read, there are also people that believe everything Karen says on Facebook.

I would like to think that personally, I'm fairly balanced, open-minded and make my own mind up on things.

Let's face it. Footballers aren't the brightest and half of them are pyramid scheme robots when they're not playing (herbalife etc) so of course they are easlily swayed by conspiracy theories. Take our wonderful central midfielder Daniel Rose for example.

And so it’s at this point in time when I declare, once again, that while getting double jabbed is a personal choice, the main motivation behind it is protecting each other.

Yes it lowers the risk of you contracting the virus. More importantly, it reduces the risk of others contracting it too. As a ‘team’ I’d like to think that everyone at GTFC can agree on protecting each other.

I’m not a footballer but even if it was Sunday League I’d feel pretty rotten if I was the one who contracted the virus and was the root cause of the postponement - especially if I hadn’t had the two jabs.

I’d feel less bad if I caught it and spread it having had the two jabs, but at least then I’d know I did as much as I could.

Quoted from aldi_01

The first paragraph is interesting, I wonder if insurance is an issue too? Or is it just age? Is it that many a footballer falls under 30 so they’ve only just been able to access it…although I’m sure they could’ve received one should they wish already.

I’m not sure a job can mandate anything like that if it’s not a legal requirement; I know of a schools, especially specialist settings that will advocate Hep B vaccinations, is this likely the only way of ‘forcing’ it. Advise rather than insist. We offer staff the chance for Hep B and Flu jabs should they so wish…

It’ll be interesting to see if not playing games just pisses players off to the point they have it.

I see it more like going out and getting shitfaced on your drug of choice and not being fit for work next day. If you were a key employee on whom the rest of the organisation depended for the business to function.

Insurance could become an issue. Or rather premiums. It’s a question of risk management. Prove your organisation managed risk and you get a lower premium.

Quoted from KingstonMariner

I see it more like going out and getting shitfaced on your drug of choice and not being fit for work next day. If you were a key employee on whom the rest of the organisation depended for the business to function.

Insurance could become an issue. Or rather premiums. It’s a question of risk management. Prove your organisation managed risk and you get a lower premium.

Insurance premiums will become an issue for sportspeople I’d imagine, much like musicians.

I noticed that several of the bigger acts are tending to play festivals first before launching their own tours, testing the water perhaps? Minimising the risk of cancelling and having to pay out?

The excrement faced thing is always an interesting one, I’m sure we all know folk who’ve been out on the lash and gone to work the next day…I know plenty that do the job as wel as normal but others who don’t…unless a significant risk it’s unlikely anything would happen, warning at best.

My concern as a fan is what happens to tickets…most clubs have already put the caveat that if season are curtailed they won’t be paying out money for ST, will this come in for single match tickets? That could significantly impact attendances home and away for many clubs…

Make all those who wont have the jab wear face masks on the pitch - they'll soon change their minds. ( we could even sneak a few unsigned players on )

Some of those girl privates who robbed a living off of us over the last few years should’ve worn a flipping mask…

Quoted from jamesgtfc

Rumours circulated at the Euros that the vaccine may have caused Christian Eriksen to collapse. I haven't seen his vaccine status confirmed anywhere but it's amazing how quick rumours can spread and leave a doubt in peoples mind.

https://fullfact.org/online/christian-eriksen-covid-vaccine/

No doubt someone will cast aspertions that the fullfact website can't be trusted, but hey-ho

Speaks volumes about the iq of players if they are not getting vacinnated

What is it people are not understanding about the fact it’s physically impossible for all under 30s to be fully vaccinated? Most 25-30’s are only just getting their second vaccines and below that it’ll be another few weeks.

It’s really not a difficult concept yet we’ve been round this on 2-3 different threads.

Quoted from pontoonlew

What is it people are not understanding about the fact it’s physically impossible for all under 30s to be fully vaccinated? Most 25-30’s are only just getting their second vaccines and below that it’ll be another few weeks.

It’s really not a difficult concept yet we’ve been round this on 2-3 different threads.

This would be my take on it…I’m sure people enjoy calling those who haven’t had the vaccine out of choice (it’s their right) thickos but in this instance I’d imagine have the issue is the actual ages of the players…

Quoted from pontoonlew

What is it people are not understanding about the fact it’s physically impossible for all under 30s to be fully vaccinated? Most 25-30’s are only just getting their second vaccines and below that it’ll be another few weeks.

It’s really not a difficult concept yet we’ve been round this on 2-3 different threads.

Bizarre isn't it.

Quoted from TuckerJenkins

Speaks volumes about the iq of players if they are not getting vacinnated

Do you actually know the timescale of the vaccination programme?
Or generally just questioning the intelligence of people?

Quoted from pontoonlew

What is it people are not understanding about the fact it’s physically impossible for all under 30s to be fully vaccinated? Most 25-30’s are only just getting their second vaccines and below that it’ll be another few weeks.

It’s really not a difficult concept yet we’ve been round this on 2-3 different threads.

But evidence does seem to point that a lot of footballers across the game are choosing not to get the vaccine...

Quoted from jamesgtfc

But evidence does seem to point that a lot of footballers across the game are choosing not to get the vaccine...

I’d imagine it’s very much a combination of both but folk just making sweeping comments about IQs of people or slagging them off does nothing but breed contempt…

I’d imagine plenty can give a valid reason, some perhaps not and as we’ve said, some are probably only just able to access it officially…

Referring back to the original post, the managers of those clubs are quoted in the article as saying that their players are actively choosing not to have it, and point to conspiracy theories as a reason...

I mean, I may be wrong, but I would’ve thought premier league players don’t have to wait for the NHS rollout and have some private set up?

Quoted from sam gy

Referring back to the original post, the managers of those clubs are quoted in the article as saying that their players are actively choosing not to have it, and point to conspiracy theories as a reason...

I mean, I may be wrong, but I would’ve thought premier league players don’t have to wait for the NHS rollout and have some private set up?

Is everything negative towards the vaccine being promoted as a conspiracy? Genuine question, I know a close friend over in France has said that literally anyone not having the vaccine, regardless of reason is being called an antivaxxer…

I understand what you’re saying about private opportunities but surely, regardless of their cash and status they should wait like everyone else?

If the vaccine is so integral then the roll out to key workers and the likes first was right, I want football as much as the next man but surely they can’t claim to be integral to anything? Was a bit like the travelling around for games when other people couldn’t…I mean we all watched but it made you question what was really happening.

I suspect over time they’ll just start having it if it means they can play games…

Quoted from aldi_01

Is everything negative towards the vaccine being promoted as a conspiracy? Genuine question, I know a close friend over in France has said that literally anyone not having the vaccine, regardless of reason is being called an antivaxxer…

I understand what you’re saying about private opportunities but surely, regardless of their cash and status they should wait like everyone else?

If the vaccine is so integral then the roll out to key workers and the likes first was right, I want football as much as the next man but surely they can’t claim to be integral to anything? Was a bit like the travelling around for games when other people couldn’t…I mean we all watched but it made you question what was really happening.

I suspect over time they’ll just start having it if it means they can play games…

I don't think it's available privately in the UK, but anyone can have it who is over 18 anyway now so that's irrelevant

It’s been said right from the start that, generally speaking, the virus affects older people much worse. Kids barely notice they have it and young people (under 30) tend to show mild symptoms.

I know there are extreme cases that buck the trend but, as I say, generally, that’s been the line.

So it stands to reason that if I’m a ‘young’ person, and also physically fit because I’m a professional sportsman, I’m probably in no rush to get the vaccine because if I do get the virus, it probably won’t affect me.

That’s fine… but again it overlooks the main reason why you should get the vaccine - to stop the spread and protect each other.

I’m not blaming young people; I’m just trying to see it from their point of view.

Not sure young fit footballers will accept taking the vaccine & before anybody jumps on me i'm double jabbed myself , not going to go into the rights or the wrongs because there's certainly benefits for us older people but i will leave it at that , feel free to coment but if i was a young fit 20 something i'd be 50-50

Quoted from aldi_01

I understand what you’re saying about private opportunities but surely, regardless of their cash and status they should wait like everyone else?

If the vaccine is so integral then the roll out to key workers and the likes first was right, I want football as much as the next man but surely they can’t claim to be integral to anything? Was a bit like the travelling around for games when other people couldn’t…I mean we all watched but it made you question what was really happening.

Totally, as I said, just guessing really re being able to get it privately, but obviously that’s not actually the case.

Quoted from fishcake63

Not sure young fit footballers will accept taking the vaccine & before anybody jumps on me i'm double jabbed myself , not going to go into the rights or the wrongs because there's certainly benefits for us older people but i will leave it at that , feel free to coment but if i was a young fit 20 something i'd be 50-50

It’s fair enough, but if any players test positive, then they’ll have to isolate no matter how they’re feeling. And if they’re not vaccinated they’re more likely to both get it and spread it.

Out of interest, what’s it like in other sports? Are we only really arsed because it affects our football fix?

Quoted from pontoonlew

What is it people are not understanding about the fact it’s physically impossible for all under 30s to be fully vaccinated? Most 25-30’s are only just getting their second vaccines and below that it’ll be another few weeks.

It’s really not a difficult concept yet we’ve been round this on 2-3 different threads.

There have been walk in vaccination centres in Grimsby for quite some time now. My teenage children got their second jabs two months ago. No excuse for the players not to have 2 doses by now.

Quoted from realist

There have been walk in vaccination centres in Grimsby for quite some time now. My teenage children got their second jabs two months ago. No excuse for the players not to have 2 doses by now.

And you need to have 8 weeks between jabs, so either your daughters jumped the queue for the first jab or you’re telling fibs

We were always ahead of the curve in NEL because the average age is higher than the national average. Not by eight weeks though.

Quoted from pontoonlew

And you need to have 8 weeks between jabs, so either your daughters jumped the queue for the first jab or you’re telling fibs

Or they work for the NHS. I had my second jab mid-May and I'm 31.

Quoted from jamesgtfc

Or they work for the NHS. I had my second jab mid-May and I'm 31.

To be fair, we had ours within a couple of weeks of the start of the spring term…the local authority were desperate to get all special schools opened so pushed through and got special school staff the chance to have one. The staff at work that had theirs were all done by first weekend in May…

I know locally plenty of people that turned up for vaccines and the centres were empty…I do appreciate there’s various reasons for this but says a lot.

There were plenty of ways of getting the vaccine earlier if you wanted to I guess.

This debate will rumble on and I suspect the football managers and clubs will now become the next folk in the promotion of the vaccine…

Quoted from jamesgtfc

Or they work for the NHS. I had my second jab mid-May and I'm 31.

I don’t doubt there could be a reason but then it’s a poor point because footballers don’t work for the NHS or have any other reason for an early jab

Quoted from pontoonlew

I don’t doubt there could be a reason but then it’s a poor point because footballers don’t work for the NHS or have any other reason for an early jab

You accused someone of telling fibs. I offered a valid reason why they might be telling the truth.

Quoted from jamesgtfc

You accused someone of telling fibs. I offered a valid reason why they might be telling the truth.

I also said ‘unless they’ve jumped the queue’ jumping the queue would include what you’ve said, some people have every right to jump it.

70% of people in ICU in Northern Ireland haven't had the vaccine.  Cancer / Transplant patiants can not have life saving operations because there are not enough ICU beds available.  I'm ptetty sure this will be the case around the whole UK.  IMO anybody not getting the vaccine is just pure selfish, even if they are young fit footballers.  

I'm in my 40's and physically fit, running 4 times a week.  I got covid a month ago, knocked me off my feet for a few days.  So glad I'd been double jabbed, dread to think how I would have felt without it

We have 25 staff in our company (a computer software company) who are in their twenties, all but 3 are double jabbed, and those 3 are due second jabs within the next two weeks.

Quoted from TuckerJenkins

Speaks volumes about the iq of players if they are not getting vacinnated

No
I'm pro vax and got both mine ages ago but I'm also more for freedom of choice, if they don't want to vax it's up to them (although I think they should) nothing to do with 'iq'

Had my second jab end of April. As did me brother. Just made sense

Quoted from pontoonlew

And you need to have 8 weeks between jabs, so either your daughters jumped the queue for the first jab or you’re telling fibs

Correct eight weeks between jabs and first jab nearly 4 months ago.  No queue jumping involved, and available to anybody that asked,

Quoted from Squinter

70% of people in ICU in Northern Ireland haven't had the vaccine.  Cancer / Transplant patiants can not have life saving operations because there are not enough ICU beds available.  I'm ptetty sure this will be the case around the whole UK.  IMO anybody not getting the vaccine is just pure selfish, even if they are young fit footballers.  

I'm in my 40's and physically fit, running 4 times a week.  I got covid a month ago, knocked me off my feet for a few days.  So glad I'd been double jabbed, dread to think how I would have felt without it

This

Quoted from pontoonlew

What is it people are not understanding about the fact it’s physically impossible for all under 30s to be fully vaccinated? Most 25-30’s are only just getting their second vaccines and below that it’ll be another few weeks.

It’s really not a difficult concept yet we’ve been round this on 2-3 different threads.

18 year olds could have the jab from the 18th June, even waiting 8 weeks, which is now extreme (although originally suggested), they would almost all have had 2nd jab by now

Bearing in mind that other ages were done before this and not every player in the GTFC squad is 18.  So all could have had 2 jabs by now if they didn't sit on their hands

Let's get this factual ..

One Jab or two jabs doesn't mean you can't get Covid and pass it on

Very unlikely for the recently fully vaccinated, however, especially in the younger population. Protection against infection with the Pfizer seems to be very good for the first few months but then degrades over time. If you've had the Moderna, it seems to be a bit longer-lasting. None of the players will have had the AZ.

I wonder if we'll see surges of infection in players who are unvaccinated/partially vaccinated early in the season, then further groups of infections later in the year as efficacy wanes? Could be a long season.