Shortly after the NFL sent a memo to its teams, outlining the possible consequences that could apply to unvaccinated players, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott faced a question about his own vaccination status. 

The quarterback, however, declined to answer a reporter's question on Friday when he was asked to confirm whether he's vaccinated. 

“I don’t necessarily think that’s exactly important," Prescott said. "I think that’s HIPAA.”

The answer led to backlash on social media, with some expressing outrage over Prescott's decision to dismiss the topic. Prescott's response also fueled a debate about the definition of HIPAA. 

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, HIPPA — an acronym for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act — prohibits certain entities from disclosing another person's medical information. But there is no rule that prevents people from talking about their own health condition.  

In a memo this week, the NFL said teams can be forced to forfeit games and potentially face other consequences if their is a COVID-19 outbreak caused by unvaccinated members of the organization, NBC Sports reported.

While some say athletes such as Prescott should be allowed to make a personal decision without facing criticism, others say their choice affects many others.

Prescott also refused to confirm his vaccination status last month.

“For me, I think it’s important just for everybody to educate themselves on the reason of why to get vaccinated and why it can either help in their cause or maybe help the world,” he said in an interview with NBC DFW.

Other NFL players and coaches have expressed their disapproval for the vaccine. Buffalo Bills wide receiver Cole Beasley, who has been outspoken against the vaccine, engaged in an argument with his teammate on Twitter on Friday.

And there are many more public figures outside of sports who continue to speak against the cure. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), who was asked about being vaccinated at a press conference this week, refused to reveal her answer. Greene also said the question is a violation of her HIPAA rights, HuffPost reported. 

Comedian Seth Meyers mocked the Republican on his show.

“A reporter asking you if you’ve been vaccinated doesn’t violate your HIPAA rights any more than a neighbor needs a warrant to enter your house for a barbecue,” Meyers said on Late Night. "I doubt she even knows what HIPAA is or what it stands for. She probably doesn’t even know it’s an acronym.”

coronavirus-vaccineCovid-19Dak PrescottDallas Cowboys