AFL apologises after Indigenous and Torres Strait Island players forced to accept pneumococcal vaccination

The AFL has apologised to their Indigenous and Torres Strait Island players after they were forced to accept an additional vaccine shot.

The AFL has officially apologised for a communication breakdown with the Players’ Association after some of the competition’s Indigenous stars were forced to accept a pneumococcal vaccine.

According to foxsports.com.au, club doctors were informed it was compulsory for Indigenous and Torres Strait Island players to receive a pneumococcal vaccination, despite the Queensland Government only recommending it for children and over 50s.

While all AFL players were required to take flu shots before entering the Queensland hub, only Indigenous and Torres Strait Islanders were made to receive the additional vaccine.

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AFLPA chief executive Paul Marsh released a statement on Saturday, claiming he was “very concerned” about the lack of communication about vaccines requirements.

“We are very concerned about this issue and since becoming aware of it, we’ve had various conversations with players and the AFL, and are in the process of gathering more information to inform what actions we may take,” the statement read.

“The fact that these vaccinations were not discussed with the AFLPA as part of the return to play protocols or otherwise, is a significant issue we have raised with the AFL.”

“We are now working directly with players to ensure they understand their rights and options available to them regarding any requested vaccinations.”

The AFL Players' Association (AFLPA) CEO Paul Marsh

Speaking to The Herald Sun, a prominent Indigenous AFL figure revealed some Aboriginal players were told they could not play unless they accepted the extra jab.

“The players had no idea and some Aboriginal players are refusing to do it,” they said.

“No one else apart from the Aboriginal boys are required to have this extra shot.

“What angered them more was this was never mentioned when the long list of requirements for the hub were initially given out.

“And now they’re being told to have the shot or you won’t play.”

The AFL issued a formal apology on Saturday evening, acknowledging the players and staff should have been more informed on the situation.

“The AFL apologises to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players and staff and the AFLPA for not providing sufficient clarity around Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players receiving a pneumococcal vaccination ahead of entering Queensland and for any distress this has caused them and their families,” the statement read.

“The AFL acknowledges it could have obtained and shared more information from the Queensland Government health authorities regarding the vaccination including the underlying health safety benefits and that it can improve its processes in providing information to support club doctors in ensuring cultural safety in provision of health to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“The AFL is committed to working closely with the AFLPA and the players, our clubs and our doctors to resolve the situation.”