October 26 – The governing body of Germany’s top two divisions says more than 90% of players, coaches and staff from the 36 clubs involved have received vaccines against Covid-19.
The DFL says that the figure is based on voluntary information provided by the clubs and that it does not have specific information on individuals, whether they have received one or two doses.
“The DFL has started campaigns to draw attention to the importance of vaccinations in the fight against the coronavirus,” a statement said.
The figures were released amid a fierce debate in Germany after Bayern Munich and German international defender Joshua Kimmich expressed his reluctance to get vaccinated because of potential long-term side effects.
Despite a raft of experts insisting that the risks of contracting COVID-19 far outweigh any dangers from a vaccine, over the weekend Kimmich confirmed reports he had not yet had a jab raising fears that his stance could encourage vaccine hesitancy in Germany.
“I am of course aware of my responsibility,” Kimmich told Sky. “I follow all hygiene measures and get tested every two to three days. Everyone should make the decision for themselves.”
Kimmich insisted he was not a “Covid denier or an anti-vaxxer”.
“There is a very good chance that I will still get vaccinated,” he said. “It’s simply that I still have some concerns.”
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