6:14 PM
According to a copy of the study's findings obtained by ESPN, the NBA completed a study with infectious disease specialists and testing manufacturers on the preseason test results of 2,300 players and staff, and found that there was a need for booster doses of Covid-19 vaccines for league personnel.
Moderna and Pfizer vaccines created higher levels of antibodies than Johnson and Johnson and the decline of them over time was detailed in the NBA's study. The NBA wanted to understand the effectiveness of different vaccines and what level of antibodies meant for risk of infections.
The NBA is aware of 34 cases of fully vaccine-vaccinated players or team staff becoming infectious with a breakthrough case of Covid-19 through November 19 and 31 of them had low levels of antibodies, according to a report. The study said that three of the 34 infections were not detected.
The NBA has a high vaccination rate among its players. The NBA is using the findings of the report to encourage eligible players to get a booster shot, and team doctors are expected to use these results to educate players on the importance of the vaccine.
The Johnson and Johnson vaccine was given to 1% of the 2,388 people who were tested in the preseason. Those who received Pfizer and Moderna had a lower percentage.
Those who received the J&J vaccine at least two months ago or a second dose of Pfizer or Moderna are at increased risk of breakthrough infections.
