An incredible 41 per cent of players in the English Football League are not double jabbed — and 25 per cent have no intention of having the vaccine.
These eye-catching figures were revealed during a season that is at knife-edge because of rocketing Covid cases in the country.
As of November, just 59 per cent of players were double-vaccinated with a further 16 per cent indicating they were ‘set to get the jab’. Six percent of those players were still waiting for their first shot.
As Covid fear grows, more than 40% of EFL players have yet to get both jabs.
Fans will feel extremely frustrated when players put the season at stake by allowing outbreaks to occur at several clubs.
Meanwhile, the EFL are preparing for at least seven more postponements for this weekend’s round of fixtures which have already been decimated due to rising Covid cases across squads.
Sportmail has learned that a potential two-week break has been privately discussed by officials at certain clubs as a way of placating the situation that is threatening to run out of control — but for now, the EFL are trying to play as many games as possible.
The EFL have also decided to switch to ‘red protocols’ as Covid chaos rips through football.
One quarter of the players stated that they are not interested in receiving the vaccine.
As a last-ditch effort to keep the season from being shut down temporarily, a number of new measures will be reinstated starting Saturday. Matches continue to succumb to the Omicron surge.
Along with improved protocols on training grounds, daily testing will also be implemented. Additionally, social-distancing measures outside of physical sessions may be required. Group travel will also be limited.
EFL issued match specifications to help clarify things. They say clubs will be expected to play when they have 14 players, including a goalkeeper, available from registered squad lists, along with ‘Under 21 players not on the squad list but who have played one league match, or any other contracted player not on the squad list but otherwise would have been eligible to play’.
Omicron’s presence comes at an important time in the game when matches are being canceled and Omicron has been threatening to take over.
The EFL’s medical adviser, Dr Richard Higgins said: ‘In response to a growing number of Covid cases, the EFL have opted to strengthen protocols for all clubs to help minimise the health risks to individuals while seeking to mitigate against the threat of further fixture postponements in the weeks ahead.
‘Alongside enhanced protocols, which include mandatory testing ahead of matchdays, the EFL continue to strongly encourage players and staff at clubs to get fully vaccinated and obtain a booster jab if eligible to do so.’
Premier League players are being questioned about whether they should disclose their latest unvaccinated percentage. On October 19, the league reported that 68% of them were double-jabbed, and 81% received a second dose.
To avoid the end of season, EFL is increasing protocols including daily testing.
League One clubs and League Two worry that players returning negative results on their lateral flow tests are a result of not following proper procedures.
Clear instructions are provided on how to properly swab your nose and throat and how to make sure the kit gives you an accurate result.
However, several lower-league club sources fear that players rush the process. This could make some believe they are not positive when in fact the reverse is true.