The Australian Rugby League has stood down three players after they refused to have a flu vaccine, despite the agreement that players could refuse on cultural or religious grounds. Queensland’s Chief Health Officer spoke with the NRL over their “controversial vaccine policy” and the players were removed from the squad. Players described this as “coercion”, one player had refused because he had adverse reactions to a flu vaccine in 2012. The discussion continues but for now the players remain unable to play.

The Guardian used the opportunity to run a piece warning against celebrities refusing to vaccinate because it confuses the public. The crucial issue of informed consent  has been completely lost in this discussion.