Highmark Stadium now requiring vaccination for entry

[H2o]

8 minutes ago, The Frankish Reich said:

Maybe the San Antonio Bills c. 2028? You can dream ...

Nah, I don't want them to move even if I don't go to the games. I can just catch a game in some other location. 

[Captain Caveman]

4 minutes ago, benderbender said:

As sophomoric as it sounds, I got the jab mostly because there were rumblings earlier this year that they would probably be required. The irony that I’m coming up for the WFT game is palpable. 

 

Is there an vaccine passport app that works across states? Or is it just bring your card to the stadium?

If your state has a passport app you may be able to use it (I’d check with the Bills first.)

 

I believe you can either pay for the Clear passport or definitely can just bring your card. 

[Patrick Duffy]

8 minutes ago, SCBills said:

Recovered from covid just fine and already went to a UF game in Gainesville.   It’s not so bad in the SE, come visit sometime. 

It's not bad for some and bad for some. Just never know

[Paup 1995MVP]

3 hours ago, BillsFanForever19 said:

 

Lol at you saying I won't be getting the vaccine and that you'll be at the Dolphins game. Hate to break it to ya pal, you won't be in the stadium. 

Talking about going to the game in MIAMI next week.  Just checked, no vaccine mandate at Hard Rock Stadium.  

[Bruffalo]

6 minutes ago, benderbender said:

As sophomoric as it sounds, I got the jab mostly because there were rumblings earlier this year that they would probably be required. The irony that I’m coming up for the WFT game is palpable. 

 

Is there an vaccine passport app that works across states? Or is it just bring your card to the stadium?

According to the release, you're fine with just your vaccination card so long as you physically have it. A photo will not work.

[Reader]

44 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

LOL everyone's an epidemiologist and a clinical pathologist

 

I don't know that.

 

Would other measures (Covid tests) be about as effective or more effective?  Perhaps, but the logistics of testing 70,000 people even with a rapid antigen test are formidable, and those suckers have a pretty low sensitivity (false negative rate)

 

Me, I think what woulda been a "win" is if everyone wore their masks last Sunday when and where they were supposed to, and then that woulda remained the "airborne disease infection control plan" going forward.  But That Ship has Sailed

 

I'm sure this has been mentioned a few times, but this certainly seems to be a case of "consequences meet previous actions."

 

Besides, considering how it was reported how few people were wearing their masks, if this wasn't mandated it's not hard to imagine us being way more likely of having another Dion or Sweeney situation. Something I would assume, all the fans on this board would want to avoid.

Edited September 15, 2021 by Reader

[Hapless Bills Fan]

2 hours ago, vanhalen26 said:

I wonder what I can do coming from Canada, provided the border even opens.

 

We don’t have vaccine cards or digital passports to show.  We have a rather non descript receipt that looks like it came out of a Walmart checkout.

 

Over and above that, the CDC does not yet recognize AstraZeneca which many of us in our 40s and 50s were given.

 

Over and above that, most of us who were given AstraZeneca as a first dose were given Pfizer or Moderna as a second dose, and the CDC does not recognize mixed vaccines as being legitimate (although some studies suggest it’s more effective than two of the same type).  Our brilliant Canadian government said the best vaccine is the one that’s available and didn’t consider the travel implications if it doled out a mixed dosing regimen.  
 

I got AstraZeneca followed by Pfizer.  I may need to fly into any random US state just to get a second Pfizer dose or maybe a single J&J if still offered (just to keep things simple), so I can visit the US when the borders open and also attend Bills games.  
 

It’s a gong show.

 

This is a legit issue and question.

 

What I know about the working details of Canadian gov't could be written on a nickel and lost, but if you can't get an answer about how to prove your vaccination status for travel out of the Public Health Canada or whatever it's called, can your elected representative help you?  (Ours often do, if a voter calls with a problem).

 

We have several working members of the media on this board such as @john wawrow (who I believe may be Canadian?), and I'm wondering if we can collect legit questions and if they could help get some answers.  I'm suspecting at this point if one called a Ticket Agent you'd get the voicemail equivalent of a Blank Look

 

Questions I've seen so far:

1) what proof of vaccination is acceptable from citizens of another country and how would they obtain it?  

2) is a vaccination regime including vaccines approved in other countries acceptable, and if so which?  A number of US entities that require vaccinations (eg universities), accept all vaccines authorized by WHO.  Others say "No, FDA authorized only"

3) is proof of covid infection followed by 1 shot of an mRNA acceptable (since this is acceptable to the NFL)?

 

Someone posted this link,

https://www.theladders.com/career-advice/the-5-ways-to-get-a-digital-record-of-your-covid-19-vaccination

which has suggestions about  using a private digital app if you aren't a US citizen.  I wonder if one of these would work:

Quote

If all else fails, or you aren’t a US citizen, private companies have always got your back. While you might be skeptical and have some concerns about your privacy or data being sold, you’ll be reassured knowing that over 300 businesses have united to create the Vaccine Credential Initiative, and everything from Cedars Sinai to the State of California and Humana all has a stake in this.

 

The popular travel pass business Clear has a new platform called Health Pass by Clear that can be used along with the ClearPass portals at varying airports around the world. It can be used for vaccine validation along with temperature checking and tracking, or integrate your recent COVID-19 test results if your travel plans also require negative tests.

 

 

[CSBill]

4 hours ago, Logic said:

In fairness to the poster to whom you are replying...

I actually kind of agree that it's a bit of a pain for out-of-towners. I flew in from Oregon for the Steelers game. I didn't bring my vax card because it wasn't required at the time, but I did reflect on the fact that if it WAS required, I would have felt a bit uncomfortable having to pack it, fly with it, and remember to keep it safe and clean and handy during the game. 

Not an unreasonable burden or undoable task, mind you, just a little bit nerve-wracking having to carry with you something that is small and odd-sized (doesn't fit in my wallet) and cumbersome to replace if lost.

How do you handle a Passport when you need one for foreign travel? 

[Captain Caveman]

39 minutes ago, SCBills said:

I don’t think you know what a strawman is… you keep using it in multiple replies to things that aren’t strawman arguments.  
 

I did present you a hypothetical.  A hypothetical based on Highmark Stadium covid protocols.  
 

You can literally sit next to an unmasked, vaccinated fan with covid under these guidelines.  
 

Luckily, you’re safe from people like me who have natural immunity from a recent covid infection recovery and would be willing to present a negative rapid covid test at the gates.  

A straw man is when you make up an argument that no one is arguing against. Like in this case we keep saying it sucks that they’re not letting you in based on recovering from a recent case, but it doesn’t really impact us. You can get the jab or not. 
 

But in two weeks I WILL be a lot less likely to sit next to an unmasked fan with COVID than I was last week when they didn’t require vaccination which is ***** great. I’m happy about that. 

[SDS]

1 hour ago, snafu said:

Yet they don’t prevent people who have never received a measles vaccine (for example) from going places other than grammar and high school.

 

I’m curious if you think you’re actually making a reasonable argument? Do you think this is a thoughtful, well-informed point? 

[jimmy10]

1 hour ago, SCBills said:

I despise what you’re saying, but at least you’re telling the truth.  I know this isn’t about the safety of fans attending the stadium.   If it was, the best way of protection (negative covid tests) would be allowed. 
 

This is a punitive measure used by politicians to increase vaccination.  Just let’s be honest about it.  
 

And federal highway funds were threatened for any states that didn’t raise the drinking age to 21. Yeah, the gov’t uses carrots and sticks to urge compliance for the common good. So what?

[Careca]

9 minutes ago, benderbender said:

As sophomoric as it sounds, I got the jab mostly because there were rumblings earlier this year that they would probably be required. The irony that I’m coming up for the WFT game is palpable. 

 

Is there an vaccine passport app that works across states? Or is it just bring your card to the stadium?

Do not feel bad, it seems that many folks are getting the vaccine just to be able to live their lives unrestricted. It is amazing how soft pressures can influence individuals to act in ways they would not otherwise.

 

Fascinating discussion on all sides. I especially like how many people are redefining words to suit their arguments!

[OZBILLS]

2 hours ago, vanhalen26 said:

I wonder what I can do coming from Canada, provided the border even opens.

 

We don’t have vaccine cards or digital passports to show.  We have a rather non descript receipt that looks like it came out of a Walmart checkout.

 

Over and above that, the CDC does not yet recognize AstraZeneca which many of us in our 40s and 50s were given.

 

Over and above that, most of us who were given AstraZeneca as a first dose were given Pfizer or Moderna as a second dose, and the CDC does not recognize mixed vaccines as being legitimate (although some studies suggest it’s more effective than two of the same type).  Our brilliant Canadian government said the best vaccine is the one that’s available and didn’t consider the travel implications if it doled out a mixed dosing regimen.  
 

I got AstraZeneca followed by Pfizer.  I may need to fly into any random US state just to get a second Pfizer dose or maybe a single J&J if still offered (just to keep things simple), so I can visit the US when the borders open and also attend Bills games.  
 

It’s a gong show.

 

Sounds very much like in Australia, but we were told to have two of the same type. If we got AZ, couldn't get a second Pfizer.

 

I really hope the AZ travel situation is sorted soon, because I don't want to be turned away.

[Hapless Bills Fan]

1 hour ago, OZBILLS said:

Lockouts like this are the only thing that is going to drive vaccination up.

 

They do need a pop up vaccination site close 

 

Ask and you Shall Receive:

 

 

[OZBILLS]

6 minutes ago, Careca said:

It is amazing how soft pressures can influence individuals to act in ways they would not otherwise.

 

Yep. My sister was going the anti-vax route then realized life will be miserable when the lockouts eventually come.

 

Now it's done and the silly FB posts have stopped

[CSBill]

1 hour ago, Beast said:

Do players, coaches, media and workers at the stadium need to be vaccinated?

Everyone but players, evidently. 

[OZBILLS]

Just now, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

Ask and you Shall Receive:

 

 

 

That is great.

 

Really would like to see the uptake numbers if they eventually get released. Will be interesting to see how many do it here.

1 minute ago, CSBill said:

Everyone but players, evidently. 

To be fair, they are the talent and ultimately the only reason we all do this stuff.

 

 

[Logic]

16 minutes ago, CSBill said:

How do you handle a Passport when you need one for foreign travel? 

A passport is a good bit sturdier than a vaccine card.

It's much easier to accidentally rip, stain, or otherwise destroy a vaccine card than it is a passport.

Again, I'm not saying that it's an insurmountable task to bring a vaccine card. I support the new rule. I'm just saying that it's a bit more of an inconvenience for non NYS residents. That's all. I wouldn't think much of it if vaccine cards were wallet-sized, laminated, sturdy. The fact that they're an awkward size and don't really fit in a wallet just make them a bit odd to carry into something like a football game.
 

Edited September 14, 2021 by Logic

[Mike in Horseheads]

1 minute ago, BUFFALOBART said:

 

You should be able to renew it.

Renewed mine today

[CountDorkula]

33 minutes ago, Sharky7337 said:

Same! After moving out of NY it's so nice not being in such a restrictive state!

 

Its pretty crazy, i live in NYS and i move around very freely. Never been bohtered

 

But im also an adult and it someone asks me politely to do something, like wear a mask if possible i don't make a giant fuss and say my rights are being violated and i respect people.

 

I don't know maybe i'm crazy. Maybe i should just always have my phone out and about  and constantly scream at people about how you cant control me. 

[Virgil]

Has anyone figured out how the out of state electronic registration thing works?  The family is coming back up for the Texans game. 

[Logic]

1 hour ago, leh-nerd skin-erd said:

Serious question, had they not changed the rules to address the unmasked, would it have impacted your decision to attend future games?    For what it’s worth, I’m not angry about the vax requirement, but feel EC could have made this call earlier.  I’m also concerned about the time it will take to get into the stadium when we attend later this year.  
 

 

If I understand your question correctly...the answer is yes. I stated earlier in this thread that I did not plan to go to any future games unless and until vaccination was required.

I agree that EC could and probably should have made this call earlier. I think they wanted to give the fans enough rope to hang themselves with, and hang themselves they did. 

I also think that it's reasonable to be concerned about the amount of time it will take to get into the stadium. I find it more likely, however, that stadium staff will do little more than take a quick, cursory glance at the vaccine proofs, in the same way that the pat-down procedures at big events are often laughable. For what it's worth -- and granted, the vaccine requirement was not yet in effect in week 1 -- I got to the gate at 11:30 (I would normally get there at 12:15 or so), and I was able to waltz right in without hassle or delay. To anyone worried about entry delay, I suggest going in at 11:30. Worst case scenario, you get into the stadium "too early" and have to grab a beer, watch pre-game warmups, and scroll social media for longer than you'd like.

[The Wiz]

3 minutes ago, Logic said:

A passport is a good bit sturdier than a vaccine card.

It's much easier to accidentally rip, stain, or otherwise destroy a vaccine card than it is a passport.

Again, I'm not saying that it's an insurmountable task to bring a vaccine card. I support the new rule. I'm just saying that it's a bit more of an inconvenience for non NYS residents. That's all. I wouldn't think much of it if vaccine cards were wallet-sized, laminated, sturdy. The fact that they're an awkward size and don't really fit in a wallet just make them a bit odd to carry into something like a football game.
 

I've missed a bunch in this thread but just read the rules. Why can't you just have a picture of it on your phone as proof?

 

Unless they skipped that detail in the news column. 

[Hapless Bills Fan]

6 minutes ago, Virgil said:

Has anyone figured out how the out of state electronic registration thing works?  The family is coming back up for the Texans game. 

 

No but I'm about to dig into it because coming from out of state and want to have my card with me virtually in an acceptable form

Will update if I figure it out

I may just pay for CLEAR - I don't live in a state that has its own digital registry

[Logic]

1 minute ago, The Wiz said:

I've missed a bunch in this thread but just read the rules. Why can't you just have a picture of it on your phone as proof?

 

Unless they skipped that detail in the news column. 

Here's the official policy, with everything you need to know:

https://www.buffalobills.com/stadium/health-and-safety

 

Vaccine Verification:

Show one of the following at entry:

• PHOTOS OF VACCINE CARDS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

• Physical Vaccination Card

• New York State Excelsior Pass

• CLEAR Digital Vaccine Card

• Government digital vaccine proof from outside NYS

 

[Hapless Bills Fan]

2 minutes ago, The Wiz said:

I've missed a bunch in this thread but just read the rules. Why can't you just have a picture of it on your phone as proof?

Unless they skipped that detail in the news column. 

 

I'm guessing because a photograph of a vaccine card is pretty easy to photoshop, but I really don't know

[Just Jack]

43 minutes ago, ExiledInIllinois said:

WFT... Next game.

 

EDIT: Next HOME game.

sorry, already sold that one, Indy, and Pats*.  Any others you’re interested in?

[The Wiz]

1 minute ago, Logic said:

Here's the official policy, with everything you need to know:

https://www.buffalobills.com/stadium/health-and-safety

 

Vaccine Verification:

Show one of the following at entry:

• PHOTOS OF VACCINE CARDS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

• Physical Vaccination Card

• New York State Excelsior Pass

• CLEAR Digital Vaccine Card

• Government digital vaccine proof from outside NYS

 

 

Just now, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

I'm guessing because a photograph of a vaccine card is pretty easy to photoshop, but I really don't know

Yea I read the cliff notes rules and then found the official ones after I replied. 

 

I still have mine so at least I got that going for me. 

 

It's been sitting on the top of my fridge and it's still beaten up. 

 

 

 

[Jauronimo]

1 hour ago, snafu said:

 

You missed the point. There are people walking around every day who aren’t vaccinated against any number of diseases. Nobody prohibits them from going anywhere. 

Frankly, I’m vaccinated and I don’t necessarily disagree with the policy. 

No, you inadvertently made the a point completely opposite to what you thought you were conveying. 

 

Measles vaccination, per your example, has been required to attend public and private schooling for generations to a point where a measles outbreak WAS no longer a real concern in the United States.  It WAS pretty safe to assume that pretty much anyone passing you by was vaccinated against measles since it has been the cost of doing business in this country.  

 

I cannot stress the term WAS enough.  Any thoughts on why that WAS the case?

[Mickey]

4 hours ago, RyanC883 said:

 

good point, not only could you lose it at the game, but you could forget to bring it.  Not sure why a picture does not suffice.   Most places that require vaccines accept photos of the card.  

 

I don't see this as any more burdensome then having to remember to have my license with me when I drive a car and it makes sense to me that if pulled over by the police, it wouldn't be enough for me to show them a picture of my license on my cell phone.  Helpful tip: use a binder clip to clip your ticket and your vacc. card together.  

[T&C]

I saw a guy under the 75 overpass vaccinating himself so.. it is readily available for anyone who wants it. "whispers" Get vaccinated.

[JohnNord]

Just get the vaccine.  Problem solved 

[Doc Brown]

5 hours ago, BuffaloBud said:

As much as I would like to see a game in person, I'll be just as happy watching from home.

That's why I really don't have a problem with it.  You still have a choice.

 

Also, it will be refreshing just to get carded again.

Edited September 15, 2021 by Doc Brown

[Hapless Bills Fan]

1 hour ago, SCBills said:

I don’t think you know what a strawman is… you keep using it in multiple replies to things that aren’t strawman arguments.  
 

I did present you a hypothetical.  A hypothetical based on Highmark Stadium covid protocols.  
 

You can literally sit next to an unmasked, vaccinated fan with covid under these guidelines.  
 

Luckily, you’re safe from people like me who have natural immunity from a recent covid infection recovery and would be willing to present a negative rapid covid test at the gates.  

 

I agree that it's an unusual use of the term "strawman"

 

I think the point that may be trying to be made is we don't have 70,000 individual cases.  The people making decisions have to play the probabilities, tempered by practical considerations of logistics.  And the evidence favors that the overall odds are lower to sit next to an infected person if said person has been vaccinated.   Despite what is endlessly reiterated on certain media outlets, that's what the data support.

 

Would it be better to just test everyone with a high-sensitivity test 24-48 hrs before the game? Almost certainly!  But it's a moot point - the logistics of that worked out for 7,000 people but would be awful for 70,000 people.

 

Is it likely that you have substantial immunity and are less likely to be re-infected as a person recently recovered?  Yes.  Sp the policy leaves you out.  Policies designed for ~100k people  will inevitably be unfair to some, like our Canadian friend who posted upthread about his situation. 

 

It's unfortunate, but I find it curious that you jump from something that may be personally unfair to you to saying that the policy "isn't about health" at all.  You seem very certain of that, yet I'm pretty sure the people who made the policy had the advice of public health experts and epidemiologists.

[r00tabaga]

5 hours ago, MAJBobby said:

Secondary Market.

Expect to see a huge influx of visiting teams' fans this season. Yay!!! 

♥️🤍💙🤍♥️

14 minutes ago, JohnNord said:

Just get the vaccine.  Problem solved 

I can't.

But I do have a pretty dope 8k.

Cheer loud in our absence.

[Virgil]

32 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

No but I'm about to dig into it because coming from out of state and want to have my card with me virtually in an acceptable form

Will update if I figure it out

I may just pay for CLEAR - I don't live in a state that has its own digital registry

I have a picture of my vaccination card on my phone.  Are you saying that’s acceptable?

[SCBills]

Just now, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

I agree that it's an unusual use of the term "strawman"

 

I think the point that may be trying to be made is we don't have 70,000 indiividual cases.  The people making decisions have to play the probabilities, tempered by practical considerations of logistics.  And the evidence favors that the overall odds are lower to sit next to an infected person if said person has been vaccinated. 

 

Would it be better to just test everyone with a high-sensitivity test 24-48 hrs before the game? Almost certainly!  But it's a moot point - the logistics of that worked out for 7,000 people but would be awful for 70,000 people.

 

Is it likely that you have substantial immunity and are less likely to be re-infected as a person recently recovered, Yes.  The policy leaves you out.  Policies designed for ~100k people  will inevitably be unfair to some, like our Canadian friend who posted upthread about his situation. 

 

It's unfortunate, but I find it curious that you jump from something personally unfair to you to saying that the policy "isn't about health" at all.  You seem very certain of that, yet I'm pretty sure the people who made the policy had the advice of public health experts and epidemiologists.

And other public health experts in other states don’t believe this is an issue at all.  
 

I don’t believe it’s about safety when a large portion of Bills fans… those with natural immunity are being excluded, especially when you could do what, say, Syracuse is doing and require a negative test within 72 hours OR vaccination. 
 

Let the vaccinated in to wild out and force negative tests on unvaccinated at their own dime.  You know who’s the safest to sit next to in this scenario (one that’s common across other stadiums/arenas) the unvaxxed negative covid test, as there’s no telling whether that vaxxed person has covid or not.  
 

That’s why, to me, it’s obvious this isn’t about in-stadium safety.  It’s about using a government mechanism to force people in a punitive fashion.  
 

I honestly don’t believe there’s any other way to take this when they don’t offer a negative test option.  Especially given NY’s political leanings and what Biden urged local politicians to do in his speech. 

[ExiledInIllinois]

31 minutes ago, Just Jack said:

sorry, already sold that one, Indy, and Pats*.  Any others you’re interested in?

Will see! Thnx...

[ExiledInIllinois]

2 minutes ago, Virgil said:

I have a picture of my vaccination card on my phone.  Are you saying that’s acceptable?

I took my card and copied it on nice laser copier.  Two sided copy.  Then laminated so it folds in middle.  When you fold in 1/2, it will be the size of a standard CreditCard. 

 

Since it's on a nice copier... Can't tell it's not the original.   I keep the original in a secure location.

[stevewin]

27 minutes ago, Logic said:

Here's the official policy, with everything you need to know:

https://www.buffalobills.com/stadium/health-and-safety

 

Vaccine Verification:

Show one of the following at entry:

• PHOTOS OF VACCINE CARDS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

• Physical Vaccination Card

• New York State Excelsior Pass

• CLEAR Digital Vaccine Card

• Government digital vaccine proof from outside NYS

 

Has anyone done the CLEAR thing?  How does it actually work, just looked at their web page - upload gov ID,  a selfie and picture of your vax card - is it confirming your identity then cross referencing that the info on your vax card is valid and for you?  I don't usually love to upload my gov ID to the interweb...