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Dozens of eligible members of the New Orleans Pelicans received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine on Saturday, according to Andrew Lopez, ESPN.
According to ESPN, most of the players in the eligible team got the chance, but not every player. Among the players who apparently received the first dose was the guard Sindarius Thornwell, who publicly acknowledged his intention to receive the vaccine on social media this past Friday night.
The team confirmed in a statement that members of the organization received the vaccine, although the statement did not specify the number of participants, nor whether it was players, coaches or other members of the organization who received the vaccine.
“The Pelicans support the state’s vital efforts to encourage everyone to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, as large-scale vaccination of our community is the best way to keep everyone safe and end the COVID-19 pandemic,” said the team. statement to ESPN on Sunday.
On March 9, the state of Louisiana expands the COVID-19 requirements to include people 18 years or older – or 16 years old for the Pfizer vaccine – with a health condition that could lead to a higher disease risk around the vaccine to get .
Anyone who is old in Louisiana with conditions such as asthma, high blood pressure, type 1 diabetes, or who is overweight with a BMI of over 25 may be eligible.
“The three COVID vaccines we have are safe and effective, and anyone who qualifies for them should get the chance as soon as they can,” Christina Edwards, Deputy Head of Communications for Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards, said in a statement. statement told ESPN. “People, like members of the Pelicans, can consult with their doctors or they may qualify due to their health conditions.”
“According to league policy, teams must follow their vaccination guidelines and programs, and we support the players and team personnel who are vaccinated when they are eligible,” an NBA spokesman said.
At a press conference held before the All-Star Game, Commissioner Adam Silver said that “no player I know of has been vaccinated yet”, although he said some coaches and team staff were vaccinated if they were eligible come. .
Silver also reiterated that the league does not intend to have players vaccinated.
“For any kind of large-scale, required vaccinations, it can only happen with the Players Association. Like I said, we were just talking about educational efforts,” Silver said.
Later, however, I add: “My idea is that most players will eventually choose to be vaccinated.”