The NBA completed a study with infectious disease experts and test manufacturers on the results of pre-season antibody testing of 2,300 players and staff, citing further evidence of the need for Administering additional Covid-19 vaccines to league staff, according to a copy of the study. results obtained by ESPN.
The NBA study found that the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines produced higher levels of antibodies than Johnson and Johnson and details the decline in antibody levels over time. The NBA wants to understand the effectiveness of different vaccines and what different levels of antibodies can mean for infection risk.
The NBA is aware of 34 cases of fully vaccinated players or team staff infected with a breakout case of Covid-19 through November 19, including 31 with detectable antibody levels. significantly lower than those observed in the rest of the test population, according to the report. Three of the 34 infections occurred with “undetected” antibody levels, the study said.
The league says the NBA has a 97% vaccination rate among its players. The NBA is using the report’s findings to encourage eligible players to follow the previous NBA/NBPA recommendation for booster shots, and team doctors are expected to use the results. This is to educate players about the importance of additional vaccination protection.
Of the 2,388 people tested in pre-season, 75 showed “undetected,” including 11% who received the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. That percentage was significantly higher than those who received Pfizer (1%) and Moderna (0.2%).
Those results suggest that people who received the J&J vaccine at least two months ago — or a second dose of Pfizer or Moderna at least six months ago — were at increased risk for a breakthrough infection.
