Eligible members of Pels organization get COVID vaccine

Sindarius Thornwell is among the Pelicans who received the vaccine. Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Eligible members of Pelicans organization receive COVID-19 vaccine

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 3/14/21

Eligible members of the New Orleans Pelicans organization, including several players, received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on Saturday, the team announced, according to ESPN's Andrew Lopez.

Lopez adds that the Pelicans received their vaccines through a partnership with a local hospital and in consultation with team doctors and officials.

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards expanded vaccine eligibility on Tuesday, allowing anyone 16 or older with a health condition that puts them at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 to get the vaccine.

Pelicans reserve guard Sindarius Thornwell acknowledged that he would be receiving the vaccine on Friday night. It's unclear which other players received the vaccine.

I’m getting the vaccine shot tomorrow... ya boy kinda nervous
— sindarius thornwell (@Sin_City_803) March 13, 2021

NBA commissioner Adam Silver said earlier this month that he believes most players will choose to get vaccinated and is strongly encouraging them to do so. However, the league will not require players to get the vaccine.

It's unclear which players will choose to get vaccinated. LeBron James is unsure if he'll get the vaccine and admitted he won't announce his decision to the public.

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