I’ve made no bones about the fact that I believe that everyone who is able to be vaccinated against the coronavirus should “take their shot,” and it’s good to hear that the NHLPA is doing everything but officially mandating the vaccine for its members, per The Athletic’s Michael Russo and Katie Strang:
The NHLPA and NHL have been engaged in constant discussions about policies and procedures for next season that will satisfy both safety and compliance measures and provide the best chance at being able to complete a full season without any major shutdowns or scheduling snafus. Unlike last season, when the schedule was constructed with some flexibility should outbreaks occur, this season has significantly less maneuverability. Part of that is due to a potentially compressed schedule as a result of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing (a decision on NHL participation is expected to come down later this month), and part of that is due to the desire to play a full NHL schedule to stave off the adverse economic impact COVID has wrought on the league and teams.
When those protocols and policies are agreed upon, they will then be submitted to federal and local governments for consideration. It is not immediately clear whether these protocols and provisions will include any explicit provisions on unvaccinated players and potential loss of pay, but the union informed its members of the possibility last week so as to provide adequate time and information to make plans for the upcoming season.
“It sort of puts the pressure on everyone,” said one player. “You don’t want to be the reason your team plays shorthanded or is forced to be stuck inside your hotel like last season.”
Continued (paywall); not everyone will be able to get the vaccine due to medical reasons, but the more people that can be vaccinated, the more protected the NHL’ers who remain unvaccinated will be.
There are very few who will have medical reasons for not getting the vaccinations. The biggest reason is if you have had an severe allergic reaction to other vaccinations. This encompasses very few people. Your arm being sore afterwards is not a severe allergic reaction.
Oddly I didn’t feel the jab and no side effects.
Staring right at the needle causes some anguish.
I have never had a reaction to getting the needle (Flu, etc).
In Canada, nearly 100% of the new infections are Lazy, A$$, uninformed, idiots.
Pretty soon they will not be able to work, retaurants, some sporting events , GOOD!
Vaccination cards will be given out in the fall, no Vaccination Card, sit alone at home.
Some big employers, Govt of Canada, will terminate existing employees and not hire new employees . GOOD!
In Canada, we are on the 4th wave……..When will they wake up. I am going to use a mask again. Foggy glasses, Hot, communicating gets tougher.
Those under 12 yrs old don’t have an approved vaccine. When the School year starts, it is going to be challenging. There are Dogs that sniff out those with Covid19. Hope they can bite them somewhere very sensitive to let the handler know, we got one!!
There is a minority that can’t take the shot but very Few.
Jab them all!