opinion
Bayern professional Joshua Kimmich has confirmed that he is not vaccinated. The problem: He uses a nonsensical argument from the anti-vaccination team to justify it – and that is devastating.
Admittedly, Sky reporter Patrick Wasserziehr’s with Joshua Kimmich after Bayern’s game against TSG Hoffenheim was too short to have an exhaustive exchange on the subject of corona vaccination. Nevertheless, it revealed the whole misery of the vaccination debate – and that is solely due to the statements with which Joshua Kimmich justified why he has not yet been vaccinated.
His main argument was that he “still has a few personal concerns about the lack of long-term studies.” The argument is widespread from lateral thinkers to vaccine skeptics like the Bayern professional. And it is sheer nonsense, like so much that is used against vaccination. It is true that these long-term studies exist. Their primary purpose is to measure the effectiveness of the vaccine. To be clear again: There are no scientifically sound arguments against vaccination.
Statements are grist to the mills of all vaccination opponents
It is devastating that a footballer of all people, who is a shining example and great idol for countless people in this country, justifies his not-yet-vaccination mainly with unspecified “concerns” and obvious ignorance. The fact that he mentioned vaccination breakthroughs in the interview is nothing more than scare tactics, which paints a completely distorted picture. Kimmich’s statements are grist to the mill of all vaccination opponents and lateral thinkers.
He tried to emphasize that he was not an opponent of vaccinations and regretted that the vaccination debate “is seen in such black and white”. He adheres to all hygiene measures and has himself tested every other day. Through his donation project “We kick Corona”, which he started together with his Bavarian colleague Leon Goretzka, he has shown that he is very aware of the sometimes harsh social consequences of the pandemic. It seems all the more strange that he refuses to be vaccinated. And what do supporters have to think if they are only allowed to enter the stadium after the 2G rule applies?
Joshua Kimmich’s attitude is based on irrational fear
Kimmich also has to face these questions. But what remains decisive is that his stance is based on diffuse or irrational fears. It’s as annoying as it is terrifying. And it is unfortunately shared by far too many people (without being crazy, out-of-the-box thinkers). Vaccine skepticism is one of the biggest problems in the fight against the pandemic. This will show itself again in a painful way in the next few weeks, when the number of infections and death rates rise.
It’s about what the clever interviewer Wasserziehr used as a counter-argument: What would it be if everyone thought like the Bayern professional? Despite his concerns, it is “quite possible that I will be vaccinated in the future,” replied Kimmich. That would be very welcome.
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
