The NCAA’s medical advisory group has issued new COVID-19 guidance that will make it necessary for an individual to have a booster shot in order to be classified as fully vaccinated.
According to Sports Illustrated, the new definition only applies to previously vaccinated individuals who are eligible for the booster, including athletes within two months from getting their single shot Johnson and Johnson shot; five months from the last Pfizer shot; and six months from the last Moderna shot. Athletes who are not eligible for the booster but are vaccinated are still considered fully vaccinated.
Those athletes who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 90 days are also immunized and are considered fully vaccinated.
SI reports that the new protocols are only recommendations or “considerations” according to NCAA documents. Conferences and schools can choose whether to follow them or create their own guidelines based on local health department guidance.
The new recommendations are part of the medical advisory groups re-socialization policy, which is expected to be released to schools on Thursday.
The move comes as the NCAA readies for March Madness, which is just two months away. Also fast approaching is the college football national championship between Alabama and Georgia on Monday. Both the Bulldogs and the Tide have publicly confirmed that they are more than 90 percent boosted.
