Nigel Huddleston, the sports minister for the government, believes some Premier League footballers are holding off from getting the coronavirus vaccination due to concerns over possible side-effects outlined by anti-vaxxers.
Of the 20 teams in the English top-flight, only Wolves and Leeds United have confirmed that the entirety of their first-team squad have been double jabbed.
Some sides have admitted to struggling to reach the 50% mark when it comes to fully vaccinated players, leaving them vulnerable to possible outbreaks and delays as the season goes on.
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In an interview with The Sun, as relayed by The Times, Huddleston said: "It is disappointing to hear there may be some footballers unwilling to get vaccinated, perhaps due to misinformation online.
"Whilst we continue to work with social media companies to tackle anti-vax fake news, I join Jonathan Van-Tam in strongly urging players to get vaccinated.
"The evidence is overwhelming that getting vaccinated against Covid-19 is a lifesaver, protecting you and helping to protect your friends, family and teammates."
Huddleston's clear message to elite-level footballers to take up the offer of a vaccination follows on from deputy chief medical officer Van-Tam's call earlier in the month when he addressed similar concerns, saying: "I am not mincing my words: get the jab!"
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Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce previously urged everybody to get the jab but admitted a large portion of his own player are yet to do so, partly because of "conspiracy theories" affecting their opinions on it.
Magpies goalkeeper Karl Darlow suffered severely with COVID-19 and reportedly lost two stone during a week-long stay in hospital due to the seriousness of his conditions.
It's perhaps surprising that stars of the St. James' Park are still sceptical over the benefits of being vaccinated after seeing their colleague so ill, but Bruce isn't the only Premier League boss to express similar issues.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer of Manchester United have also openly admitted that they are attempting to convince the remainder of their first-team squad to listen to the advice of the medical professionals.
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The current level of vaccination rates amongst players was addressed at a Premier League shareholders' meeting last week, and clubs vowed to do more to promote uptake.
No top-flight games have been postponed in 2021/22 due to a coronavirus outbreak, although that could change unless more footballers get the jab.
Words by George Cannon.
Topics: covid, Premier League