NBA forbids teams from getting early Covid vaccinations

League’s boss says NBA will not ‘jump the line’ for shots

NBA forbids teams from getting early Covid vaccinations (Harry How/Getty Images)

The National Basketball Association has banned its teams from getting early Covid vaccinations.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver officially warned teams they cannot administer jabs to players, coaches and staff that go against public-health priorities.

In a memo the league reportedly said it would “work to vaccinate its players and staffs consistent with the timing and prioritisation set by applicable public health guidelines.”

League bosses added that their medical experts agree with the FDA that both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines were “safe and effective.”

The memo was sent just days after the game between the Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder was postponed due to multiple Covid cases.

Star player James Harden also violated the league’s virus protocols, which left the Rockets without the minimum eight players necessary.

Mr Silver had said earlier in the week that the league would not get special vaccine priority.

“It goes without saying that in no form or way will we jump the line,” said Mr Silver

“We will wait our turn to get the vaccine.

“When you think about the logistical feat that now the federal and state governments are undertaking, where if every citizen ultimately requires two doses and with a population of over 300 million, it’s beyond comprehension when you start to begin to think about the logistical challenges of transporting and distributing this vaccine.”

The NBA will grant vaccine exceptions for its medical staff, older staff members, or those at high risk.