BUFFALO, N.Y. — New York State has officially reached universal COVID-19 vaccine eligibility, yet some are still questioning whether or not they will get the shot.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen recently shared his thoughts about the vaccine on "10 Questions With Kyle Brandt." The 24-year-old said he has not received the COVID-19 vaccine, and when asked if he would, Allen responded, "I don't know. I'm still debating that." We don't know when this episode was recorded.
Allen went on to say, "I’m a big statistics and logical guy. So if the statistics show it’s the right thing for me to do, I’d do it. Again I’d lean the other way too if that’s what it said."
When asked about the NFL's decision not to make COVID-19 vaccines mandatory for players, Allen responded saying he believes "everybody should have that choice to do it or not to do it."
While on the topic of COVID-19, Allen says he has been making sure to wear a mask. "I’ve just been doing my thing and masking up when I’m going out and just staying close and hanging around family,” he said.
You can listen to the full "10 Questions With Kyle Brandt" podcast episode on Spotify.
We checked in with medical experts on what they would tell Allen or anyone, on the fence about getting the vaccine.
"Hundreds of millions of doses have been given with these vaccines and the safety signal looks extraordinary," said Dr. Thomas Russo, an infectious disease expert and professor at UB's Jacobs School of Medicine. "There's almost nobody that has a medical issue that would preclude them from getting vaccinated. If Josh Allen has any concerns or questions about this vaccine I'd be glad to volunteer to answer those questions for him."
A spokesperson for the Erie County Health Department says the county encourages people to educate themselves about the vaccine to make the best decision for themselves. And referring to accurate data from sources such as the CDC and the FDA.
As for fan attendance at Bills home games, truth is, we really have no idea what the guidance will be when the season starts. The state guidance now for large sports venues – 10 percent capacity limit, masks and social distancing and proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test.
Jack Sterne, a spokesperson for the Governor's Office writes in a statement:
“Currently, professional sports teams are allowed to host fans as long as they follow critical measures to protect public health, including requiring all fans to show proof of a recent negative test result or completed vaccination, universal mask wearing, social distancing, and limited capacity. All three approved COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, as evidenced by the fact that 6.7 million New Yorkers have received at least one shot, and we encourage all New Yorkers to get vaccines. As always, we will continue to review our guidance and make changes as necessary.”