West Coast Eagles senior players and staff walked through the glass doors at St John of God Hospital today to receive the swine flu vaccination.

The entourage of Eagles rolled up their sleeves and braved the needle to ensure they are protected from the H1N1 virus for the 2010 season.

Midfielder Sam Butler said the team was taking a proactive approach to guarding against swine flu and urged the public to do the same.

“Only five percent of the population have actually had the swine flu vaccination,” said Butler.

“The club identified that it was integral for our general health, especially coming into preseason, and we are also here to remind people that they should get out there and do it too.

“It’s a free vaccination so there is no reason not to.”

All the players have now received their vaccinations, however, some were more pleased than others.

“Kerr is a bit of a wuss and doesn’t like needles, but he was good today. He didn’t faint or anything,” said Butler.

Butler said although the team is very close-knit and has been training hard in preseason, this also increases the risk of becoming ill, making it even more important to receive the vaccination.

“Although we can’t afford any time out with sickness, I’m sure people of the general public are just the same,” said Butler.

“We don’t want to miss out on time in our job and I’m sure others wouldn’t want to miss out on being able to do theirs.

“I will be trying to tell everyone I know to come down and get it because it’s free, it’s for the sake of your health, so why not?”