MLB says over 85 percent of Tier 1, Tier 2 staff fully vaccinated against COVID-19

COVID-19 vaccine shots have been available to MLB players, managers, coaches, and other essential personnel for months. Thus, it's no surprise new vaccinations among league employees have dramatically slowed, but MLB and the MLB Players Association nevertheless were able to provide a positive update on the situation ahead of the weekend. 

MLB and the MLBPA announced Friday that the number of clubs that have reached the 85% vaccination threshold among Tier 1 individuals (players, all managers and coaches, and other traveling-party members) that allows for the loosening of certain health and safety protocols remains at 22, the same as last Friday. However, 85.3% of all Tier 1 and Tier 2 employees are now considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19, up from 83.7% the previous week. 

Additionally, 86.5% of Tier 1 and Tier 2 employees have received at least one vaccine shot. 

As The Associated Press (h/t ESPN) noted, MLB alerted clubs and players Wednesday night that a variety of protocol restrictions, such as wearing masks inside team facilities and travel limitations outside of official team responsibilities, are lifted for fully vaccinated players and staff. 

Only one MLB player tested positive for the virus over the past week. To compare, one player and one staff member recorded positive results over the prior testing period.