British sports minister urges reluctant players to get vaccinated against Covid

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Old Trafford in Manchester, United Kingdom, after Manchester United’s Premier League match against Brentford was postponed due to a Covid outbreak among players and staff.

By Rohith Nair

(Reuters) – British Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston has urged players who do not intend to receive a Covid-19 vaccine to “overcome their reluctance” because it is their social responsibility.

While matches are being postponed due to the outbreak of the Covid disease in several clubs, the English Football League, which rules the lowest divisions in the sport, said on Thursday that a quarter of its players do not plan to be vaccinated.

“I realize that some people cannot be vaccinated, but we all need to encourage those who have not been vaccinated to overcome their reluctance,” Huddleston said.

“The vast majority of those seriously ill with Covid in hospital have not been vaccinated. The most important thing anyone, including footballers, can do to protect themselves, co-workers and loved ones is to receive the vaccination and get a booster.”

The latest Premier League data on vaccination levels, which began in mid-October, revealed that 81% of players had received at least one shot and 68% had received one shot.

“Getting vaccinated is the socially responsible thing to do. Many footballers and sports stars use their profiles and social media to encourage people to get vaccinated. I am very grateful to them, because they have access to people that ministers cannot reach,” he added. Huddleston.

Richard Higgins, the Premier League’s medical advisor, is urging players to get all doses of the vaccine, including a booster vaccine, if possible, after the Omicron type of coronavirus has spread.