The AFL will not force players to have a flu shot in a bid to ensure a safe playing environment once the season resumes, sources have confirmed to ESPN.
With the NRL currently involved in a tricky situation following a handful of players' refusal to have the vaccination -- the latest development seeing those players stood down -- the AFL confirmed its stance on Friday afternoon.
"While the AFL recommends players and officials to get a yearly flu shot, the decision is ultimately that of the player and club doctor as to whether they wish to do so," an AFL spokesperson said.
Gold Coast Suns co-skipper David Swallow had said earlier Friday that the AFL shouldn't make it mandatory for players to have a flu shot if they're to take to the field once the season resumes, despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Swallow's comments came after the NRL backed down from its 'no jab, no play' policy after a number of players voiced concerns to the players' association about mandatory flu shots.
On Friday, speaking to the press, Swallow said it should be up to players whether or not they get the flu shot before the season's resumption, and it should not be an AFL decision.
"Look to be honest, I'm not too sure it should be mandatory," he said. "You know everyone's going to have their different beliefs and opinions on this matter.
"I don't know if we should be forcing anyone to do something they're not comfortable doing. I know others might have a different opinion on that, but that's my opinion."
Titans star Bryce Cartwright was the first rugby league player to be vocal on the matter, and was swiftly followed by Canberra Raiders trio Josh Papalii, Sia Soliola and Joe Tapine, who said they would not sign the waiver agreeing to the shot.
Swallow's comments also follow revelations from the World Players' Association that professional athletes may be more susceptible to "serious symptoms" if infected with COVID-19.
"We have seen some research that athletes may be particularly vulnerable to serious symptoms," said Brendan Schwab, executive director of the WPA - which represents around 85,000 athletes, including many who play in the NBA, MLB, NHL, NFL, rugby, European soccer and Australian rules football.
"The virus may get deep into the lungs, it is a virus that can cause severe damage not only to the lungs but other organs, and athletes need to be at a very high level of health and fitness in order to be able to preserve their careers."
The AFL has not yet set a date for its return.