Number Of NFL Players In Vaccination Process Up To 80%
Jul 23, 2021, 11:58 AM
A view of Levi's Stadium on the opening day of a mass COVID-19 vaccination site on February 09, 2021 in Santa Clara, California. The Santa Clara County Department of Health is overseeing the mass vaccination site at Levi's Stadium, the home of the San Francisco 49ers football team. The vaccination site will be the largest in the state of California and will provide between 5,000 and 15,000 vaccinations per day. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
(Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
AP – The number of NFL players in the COVID-19 vaccination process has reached 80%, with nine teams having 90% or more of their players in that category.
Dr. Allen Sills, the league’s medical director, said Friday that nearly all Tier 1 and Tier 2 team employees — those who deal directly with players — have been vaccinated. Five teams are at less than 70% of players who have either received one vaccination shot or both. He is optimistic the number of vaccinated players will continue to rise as training camps open.
Here’s more from today’s memo, which also says the team responsible for a canceled game because of an outbreak among unvaccinated players/staff will be responsible for financial losses and subject to potential discipline from the commissioner. Wow. pic.twitter.com/Q86a2WcG1K
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 22, 2021
“I think we are off to an excellent start,” Sills said. “Those numbers are much higher than what we’re seeing in society as a whole. There has been a lot of movement in that area. As you see players coming to training camp, you will see more players beginning that process (of vaccination).”
Other key competitive aspect of today's memo:
Vaccinated individuals who test positive and are asymptomatic can return to duty after two negative tests 24 hours apart.
Unvaccinated individuals still subject to mandatory 10-day isolation period.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 22, 2021
Sills cited teams having strong advocates for vaccination among players and coaches, as well as the educational materials available.
“I think that has influenced a lot of players,” he said.
This is the NFL's strongest step yet to incentivize vaccinations. In essence, vaccination status dictates action:
"If a club cannot play due to a Covid spike in vaccinated individuals, we will attempt to minimize the competitive and economic burden on both participating teams."
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 22, 2021
“What matters is that individuals have the most accurate information. Let’s not get information from Instagram or Facebook posts. Let’s try to hear from the most reputable professionals. You don’t shout anyone into belief here — there have to be thoughtful conversations. What we can do is provide the facts and make sure the entirety of the medical facts are presented.”
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