Medical, Sports Organizations Urge COVID-19 Vaccination for Young Athletes

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Twelve national medical and athletics organizations have released a statement urging vaccination of young athletes against COVID-19. They include the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, the American College of Emergency Physicians, the American College of Sports Medicine, the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, the American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine, the National Athletic Trainers’ Assoc., the National Federation of State High School Associations, the National Collegiate Athletic Assoc., and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee.

“We, the undersigned organizations, believe all athletes who do not have contraindications should be vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as they are eligible,” the statement reads. “Vaccination prevents widespread disease, hospitalizations, and deaths due to COVID-19 and will help keep students in the classroom, athletes in the game, and athletic teams on the field, while protecting our communities.

“It is important for athletes to begin their vaccination now, since it takes several weeks to reach full immunity. An annual well visit or sports physical provides an excellent opportunity to talk with your physician or athletic care team about the vaccine and to begin the series. We urge all medical providers to ask about COVID-19 vaccine at all sports physicals.

“We will be releasing updated preparticipation evaluation forms and guidance for medical providers in early August,” the statement continues. “We encourage all youth sports and state athletic associations to work in their communities, with local medical providers and state, tribal, local, or territorial health departments, to assist with providing educational opportunities about the vaccine to their members, coaches, parents, and athletes and to make necessary arrangements for athletes to be vaccinated.”