With ages 16 and up eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in the state of Oklahoma, members of the Oklahoma City Thunder roster and basketball operations staff were given their first doses on Tuesday.
The vaccines were administered by OU Health, with a "significant" amount of the team participating. The team's Instagram and Twitter accounts posted pictures of a few players receiving their shots, with Luguentz Dort jokingly holding backcourt buddy Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's hand as the needle went into his arm.
Another step in the right direction.
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) March 30, 2021
COVID-19 vaccines are now available to 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐘𝐎𝐍𝐄 16 years and older in OK, and today @OUHealth began distribution to our team!
Keep yourself and your team safe.
Info and appts 🔗 | https://t.co/iwslKzCxiU pic.twitter.com/aEqK1HSMfs
The Thunder are one of a growing number of rosters that have received the vaccine, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Atlanta Hawks, New Orleans Pelicans, Portland Trail Blazers and Miami Heat.
There is incentive for players to get the vaccine, with a considerable amount of the league's health and safety protocols lifted for fully vaccinated players -- fewer tests, less mask wearing and more freedom on the road. For the Thunder personnel who received a dose on Tuesday, they would be fully vaccinated around the end of the regular season.