NBA Recommending Booster Shots For Vaccinated Players

The NBA and players’ union are recommending booster shots against COVID-19 for vaccinated players, coaches, front office members and referees in Tier 1, per reports.

More specifically, shots are now being recommended for those who received the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago, or the Pfizer or Moderna vaccinations at least six months ago, reports say.

In addition, per Shams Charania of The Athletic, the league informed teams that players who received the J&J vaccine are subject to gameday testing if they don’t receive a booster shot by Dec. 1. 

Those who received the J&J vaccine are also required to get either a Pfizer or Moderna shot, while those who received Pfizer or Moderna can receive whatever booster is available, The Associated Press reported.

“Some teams already have been planning for players to receive booster shots when available,” the AP wrote. “A small number of previously vaccinated NBA players have tested positive this season for COVID-19 and entered the league’s health and safety protocols.”

Not all players are vaccinated, though union director Michele Roberts has indicated the vaccination rate is near 100 percent. Nets star Kyrie Irving, of course, is among those who has refused vaccination and is not playing because of the mandates in New York.

Meanwhile, several players have been forced to enter the league’s health and safety protocols despite having received their vaccinations — including Cavaliers forwards Kevin Love and Lauri Markkanen, 76ers forward Tobias Harris and Bucks forward Khris Middleton.

It is not known if players entered into protocols have tested positive for COVID or even if they are experiencing symptoms.

“Data used to make the league’s determinations showed that antibody levels for Pfizer and Moderna recipients wane after six months, and after two months for Johnson & Johnson recipients,” the AP wrote.