Novak Djokovic anti-vax stance slammed by Serbian government scientist – Insider

• Novak Djokovic has come under fire from one of the Serbian government’s top scientists after saying he wouldn’t want to be inoculated against the novel coronavirus.
• The world No. 1 on Sunday said he was “opposed to vaccines” and “wouldn’t want to be forced” to get one to travel once the tennis season resumed.
• Dr. Predrag Kon said Djokovic “created misconceptions” with his remark, according to The Telegraph.
• Kon also urged the 32-year-old to remain quiet on the topic in the future, saying his voice has a “huge impact.” The CDC describes vaccination as “one of the best ways to put an end to the serious effects of certain diseases.”
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Novak Djokovic has come under fire from one of the Serbian government’s top scientists after saying he wouldn’t want to be inoculated against the novel coronavirus because he is “opposed to vaccination.”

During a Facebook live chat with other Serbian athletes on Sunday, the world No. 1 also said he “wouldn’t want to be forced by someone to take a vaccine in order to travel” in response to calls for tennis players to be vaccinated whenever the tennis season resumes.

Dr. Predrag Kon, an epidemiologist who is part of the Serbian government’s effort to combat the virus, has criticized Djokovic for creating “misconceptions” with his remarks.

“As one of Djokovic’s most loyal supporters, I wish I had had the opportunity to explain the importance and immense contribution of immunizations to the health of the population,” Kon said, according to The Telegraph. “It’s too late now — he’s created misconceptions.

“Maestro, I wish you all the best. In future, however, try to avoid answers to questions about vaccinations because you have a huge impact.”

Multiple COVID-19 vaccines are in development, though it’s expected to be at least a year before one is available for mass use. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes vaccination as “one of the best ways to put an end to the serious effects of certain diseases,” and the approval of a COVID-19 vaccine is widely considered crucial for allowing the world to move past the pandemic.

Djokovic and his team released a statement Monday to clarify his stance on a COVID-19 vaccine.

“I am no expert, but I do want to have an option to choose what’s best for my body,” the 32-year-old told The New York Times. “I am keeping an open mind, and I’ll continue to research on this topic because it is important and it will affect all of us.”

He added: “To be honest, just like the rest of the world I am a bit confused. Despite having access to information and resources, I am left in doubt about what could be the best thing to do.”