Vaccination rates climb as season approaches
Two weeks from the 2021 season, the majority of Pac-12 football programs are approaching a COVID vaccination rate that could limit the disruption caused by the Delta variant.
At least seven teams have reached or surpassed the 90% mark, while two more have topped 85%, according to data provided by the schools to the Bay Area News Group.
The vaccination rates for Arizona State and Cal were not made available.
“The health and safety of our student-athletes is the number one priority of the Pac12 and our athletic programs.” — Merton Hanks
Of the 10 schools for which data is available, Washington State has the lowest rate: The Cougars have vaccinated 80% of their players, according to a school spokesperson.
WSU coach Nick Rolovich has declined to get vaccinated, citing reasons that will remain private.
At the other end of the spectrum is UCLA, which has a vaccination rate of 98% — a notable development because the Bruins have an earlier deadline than everyone else: Their season opener is Aug. 28, one week before the rest of the conference.
Arizona is close behind, with 97% of the roster vaccinated, followed by Colorado at 94.5%.
“The health and safety of our student-athletes is the number one priority of the Pac-12 and our athletic programs,” Merton Hanks, the conference’s head of football operations, told the Bay Area News Group via email.
“We have consistently focused on education and encouraged vaccinations. It’s a great credit to our football programs, coaches and student-athletes that our football vaccination rates are very strong. Our football student-athletes continue to take the steps to reduce risk as we prepare for a full, competitive schedule in 2021.”
The following data was provided by the schools.
In some cases, a specific figure was not available but the university was able to confirm a percentage range.
• UCLA: 98%
• Arizona: 97%
• Washington: above 95%
• Colorado: 94.5%
• Oregon: 90% to 95%
• Utah: above 90%
• USC: above 90%
• Oregon State: 88%
• Stanford: 85%
• Washington State: 80%
• Arizona State: not available
• Cal: not available
The rates are significant from a health-and-safety standpoint, of course, but also for financial and competitive reasons.