The NBA, which could become the first professional sports league in the United States to receive widespread use of the vaccine for covid-19, work on a policy that defines the guidelines to follow.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and his staff have held broader conversations with teams, players and agents about developing a policy that clearly reflects the new reality that will be experienced with the approval of the vaccine.
According to a series of discussions with league executives, team doctors and agents, the league has focused on some areas that are considered key such as the need to create a educational program for players and staff.
The program would focus on publicizing vaccine options, their effectiveness, and possible side effects.
Educating players about the measures taken to prevent the virus in the Orlando bubble was effective in promoting cooperation among all.
However, the NBA recognizes that it will not be easy to sell the idea of a widespread vaccination, especially when there are players who have had the virus, and now have a certain level of antibodies, so they must be convinced that the vaccine is necessary.
Between the restart of the season last summer and the start of training camp this season, the NBA announced about 100 positive cases for players and staff.
But that doesn’t take into account the players and coaches who contracted the virus during the shutdown and in the offseason, only a few of those who have chosen to publicly identify themselves.
The NBA also considers the need to create a policy on how quickly the league will seek injections.
Regardless of your resources, league officials know that there are higher-risk populations that take priority, including health care workers, nursing home residents, essential workers and others.
The NBA works and aims to abide by the guidelines and criteria imposed by the government and medical agencies.
League executives believe there could be a competitive balance problem if some teams get a chance to get vaccinated before others.
Numerous teams have close connections to the best healthcare providers in their regions and the availability Vaccines may vary by state or region of origin of the country.
The Wall Street Journal reported Dec. 6 that some health officials support early vaccination of professional athletes to demonstrate its effectiveness and safety.
During the summer, the NBA was actively involved in assisting with education and registration for vaccine tests.
The league worked with partners from the National Urban League and UnidosUS to help spread awareness and solicit participants for vaccine trials in underserved communities.
Additionally, the league took a first step last week when its health and safety protocol was updated to include vaccine provisions.
