Reports of potential timeline for player vaccinations begin to surface

The NHL is in the midst of a tough stretch, with outbreaks among several teams causing games to be postponed. Teams are scrambling to ramp up rapid testing efforts in order to prevent further season delays due to outbreaks in the locker room.

Millions of people across the United States have been inoculated since the FDA approved the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, as well as Moderna's offering, both in mid-December. It appears a third vaccine made by Johnson&Johnson will be available in the next few weeks, as they submitted their request for emergency authorization to the FDA this past week. The J&J vaccine would be ideal for the National Hockey League and it's players as it is effective in only one dose, rather than the two required for Pfizer's and Moderna's. It is also recommended for people under the age of 65.

The National Hockey League has been patiently waiting in line so players and staff can get their shots, and according to Larry Brooks of the New York Post, their time may be coming very soon.

"Sources have indicated that the NHL expects vaccinations to become available to the players in perhaps another month or six weeks." Brooks stated in his article on Sunday morning.

Given the vaccine rollouts in both Canada and the United States, it's likely that only American teams will receive their doses in the next month. The Canadian government has been experiencing limited shipments in the past few weeks, and will need more time before players, and even the general population is eligible to get their shots.

In the meantime, NHL teams have to follow the protocols in place, and the league has to remain extremely strict in order for outbreaks to be avoided.

Source: New York Post

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