The NBA on Thursday sent a warning to teams banning franchises from pursuing and administering recently released coronavirus vaccines to the entire team ahead of public health guidelines for prioritization, according to a note obtained by ESPN.
In informing teams that medical experts advising the NBA agree with the FDA that the new Pfizer and Moderna coronavirus vaccines are “safe and effective,” the NBA told teams the league will work to vaccinate their players and staff “in accordance with the schedule and prioritization established by the applicable public health guidelines,” the note said.
The NBA allows exceptions for team doctors and health-related personnel and older staff members or those with a higher risk of complications from contracting the coronavirus, according to the note.
The note comes in the wake of NBA commissioner Adam Silver, who recently told reporters at a conference call that the NBA would not “jump the line” when it comes to the vaccine.
“Needless to say, we won’t jump the line in any way,” Silver said in a conference call with reporters Monday. “We will wait our turn to get the vaccine. When you think about the logistical feat that the federal and state governments are now carrying out, if if finally every citizen requires two doses and with a population of more than 300 million, it is incomprehensible when you start thinking about the logistical challenges of transporting and distributing this vaccine. “
The NBA plans to collaborate with the National Association of Basketball Players in the coming weeks and months on campaigns to educate the public about vaccine safety, the note said.