Report: NBA recommending COVID-19 boosters, vaccines after study

It was reported earlier this month that the NBA and National Basketball Players Association were recommending players and all other personnel get COVID-19 booster shots by Dec. 1 if they were eligible based on which vaccine they originally received and also when they were vaccinated. 

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Association has since completed a study with infectious disease specialists and testing manufacturers that show booster shots are needed for those who received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine at least two months ago or the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines at least six months ago to help avoid breakthrough coronavirus infections. 

Wojnarowski adds that 97% of NBA players are considered vaccinated. Team doctors plan to use the results of the previously mentioned study to urge all eligible players to receive boosters as soon as possible with COVID-19 cases rising throughout the United States. 

The study found 34 cases of fully vaccinated players or staff members experiencing breakthrough infections through Nov. 19. It also claims the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines created higher levels of antibodies than the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. 

Multiple NHL teams, including the New York Islanders, the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, and the Georgia State Panthers men's basketball team are among sports entities recently impacted by COVID-19 outbreaks and setbacks.