- Rugby stars urge young people to get their COVID-19 vaccine
in new short film
- Sam Underhill, Alex Goode and Dan Robson among players
sharing personal experiences of COVID-19
- Film can be downloaded here
Some of the country’s top rugby players have today (Tuesday 28
September) encouraged young people to get their COVID-19 vaccine
as they discuss their personal experiences of the pandemic.
Ahead of Round 3 of the Premiership Rugby this weekend, a new
film has been released featuring key players Sam Underhill (Bath
Rugby), Alex Goode (Saracens), Nathan Earle (Newcastle Falcons),
Ollie Hassell-Collins (London Irish), Marland Yarde (Sale Sharks)
and Dan Robson (Wasps) who discuss the importance of the COVID-19
vaccine and the impact the virus has had on them in the past
year.
The players also share their thoughts on who to look out for this
season. While their player predictions might be different, they
all agree that the most important thing everyone can do this
season is to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
The film will be played out at stadiums across the country from
this weekend (1-3 October) and comes as more than 82% of over-16s
in the UK have now received both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Earlier this month,
the booster programme was also rolled out, with those eligible
being invited to book their jab as soon as possible in order to
keep the virus under control for the long term and protect the
most vulnerable through the winter months.
The latest data (23rd September 2021) also shows that in
particular, younger men have been more reluctant than younger
women to take up both doses of the jab – in those aged 18-49, 70%
of men are double vaccinated vs 76% of women in this group.
In the film, the players discuss how the pandemic has directly
affected their lives. Sam Underhill talks about how his dad was
hospitalised with COVID-19, and Nathan Earle’s partner had their
first child in the pandemic, meaning he wasn’t able to be in the
hospital to support her through the birth.
The film is part of a wider partnership with the Premiership
Rugby League, and follows the “Every Vaccination Gives Us Hope”
campaign launched earlier in the year to encourage the public to
get their COVID-19 vaccinations.
Over 48.7 million people have now received a first dose of a
vaccine – over 89.7% of the UK over-16s population - with 44.7
million receiving their second dose. This means over 82.4% of
over-16s in the UK have now received both doses of a vaccine,
with 93.5 million vaccines administered overall.
Phil Winstanley, the Rugby Director at Premiership Rugby,
said:
“It’s been so fantastic to have sports fans back in
stadiums all over the country, and this couldn’t have been done
without the COVID-19 vaccine programme. It’s been so instrumental
in getting us back to normal, and as we get going with this
year’s season, we need to make sure all our fans are as safe as
they can possibly be – and that includes making sure they get the
vaccine to protect themselves and those around them.”
Health and Social Care Secretary,
said:
“It is fantastic to have these rugby legends come out and back
the life-saving jabs. A massive thank you to Sam, Alex, Nathan,
Ollie, Marland and Dan.
“It is thanks to the wall of defence built up by the vaccines
that fans of all sports can get back to seeing their favourite
players at the grounds.
“Please get your jab as soon as possible, to protect yourself,
your family and your loved ones.”
Nathan Earle of Newcastle Falcons said:
“It’s been a really rough 18 months for everyone, but finally
we’re seeing light at the end of the tunnel. Having the fans back
in the crowd has been incredible – it just gives you that extra
boost you need on the pitch. I’d say to anyone make sure you get
your jab if you haven’t already – it’s quick and easy and has
meant we can get back to the game we love!’”
Vaccinated people are far less likely to get COVID-19 with
symptoms and are less likely to get serious COVID-19, to be
admitted to hospital, or to die from it.
The latest data from Public Health England shows that the vaccine
rollout has saved more than 123,000 lives and stopped nearly
quarter of a million hospital admissions.
