Martin Tapau’s sacrifice on flu jab for good of the game

Manly forward Martin Taupau spent three days in hospital the last time he received a flu shot.

Manly’s Martin Taupau needed a spell in hospital the last time he had a flu jab but after some careful thought, has decided to get vaccinated for the season restart. Picture: AAP

Manly forward Martin Taupau spent three days in hospital the last time he received a flu shot. To the best of his memory, it was about seven years ago and it helps explain why one of the game’s most intimidating figures was hesitant this week when the NRL asked its players to have a flu vaccination as part of its plans to resume the season on May 28.

Those who were reluctant were allowed to sign a waiver. Some opted to cross out sections of the form. Taupau, studying at university and renowned as a deep thinker, sought legal advice to see where he stood.

At the heart of his concern was a clause in the waiver form that suggested he would hold harmless his club, the ARL Commission and the NRL in the event that there was any liability should he opt out of flu shots.

Martin Taupau with children Isaiah, left, and Leilani.

“My reasons are totally different to the anti-vaxxers or pro-vaxxers,” Taupau said.

“It is not religious. My reasons are that many, many years ago — I believe it might have been 2013 — when I got the flu shot back then, I had a really adverse reaction and was in hospital for days.

“I was more concerned about my health. I was worried that if I did get the flu shot again, I would be hospitalised again.

“I may not be able to train, I may not be able to play. When that waiver came out, I said I am not going to get the flu shot.

“So I sought legal advice. I wanted to know what it meant. I understood it to a degree but I thought it was better to get some legal advice and get a better perspective of what it means.

“You don’t want to sign something and then be sad and sorry afterwards”

It is understood Taupau decided on Friday to have a flu shot. Hours earlier, he had spoken to The Weekend Australian of his concerns as he wrestled with the notion that he may have another adverse reaction, particularly in the current environment where COVID-19 has forced the world into lockdown and clogged hospital wards.

“I may get a reaction where I am hospitalised,” Taupau said.

“There is a huge possibility of being exposed to every other viruses as well as COVID-19. You have to fully understand things.

“If that happens, I may not be able to play. Where does that leave me and the NRL? Are they going to assist?

“It is a concern if you sign it because you are made a liability if there is an outbreak in the league. You could ultimately be sued because you pretty much sign that release form.

“You have to take those measures to fully understand the terms and conditions. That and my health as well. With the pre-season you train every day and your immune system takes a slight hit every day. With my immune system not as strong as it is now, taking that flu shot … it was a little bit too much for me back then.’’

Taupau has been lauded for his work in Samoa, where he has worked tirelessly with his wife Michelle to help the fight against the measles epidemic.

As he pondered whether to get the flu shot or not, he thought about all the other players who are making sacrifices to get the game back on the field.

“I am doing this for my family and I am doing this for the game as well,” he said.

“The Warriors are making a sacrifice here (by basing themselves in Australia).

“I may have to take the gamble of getting that inoculation and taking the chance that I may or may not get the adverse reaction.’’