NBA legend Bill Russell backs COVID-19 vaccine, says this is 'One Shot I Won't Block'

NBA legend Bill Russell has backed COVID-19 vaccine and officially anunced that he got it in a video released by league on Thursday. soon-to-be 87-year-old became third table NBA figure to receive coronavirus vaccine both for his health and to help league’s efforts to promote it. Before Russell, San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich and former Los Angeles Lakers centre Kareem Abdul-Jabbar also took a shot of vaccine. 

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Bill Russell COVID-19 vaccine: NBA legend says 'this is one shot I won't block'

In a video posted by NBA, Bill Russell participated to encour ors to receive coronavirus vaccine shot when y have opportunity.  11-time NBA champion with  Boston Celtics and Basketball Hall of Famer made anuncement saying, "This is one shot I won't block" and " Celtics were harmed". 86-year-old meets criteria established by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention surrounding vaccine eligibility.  guidelines suggest that priority for receiving vaccine should go to health care personnel, those living in long-term care facilities, front-line essential workers, those over of 65 and people "with underlying medical conditions'' that increase ir vulnerability to COVID-19.

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San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich and former Los Angeles Lakers centre Kareem Abdul-Jabbar also received COVID-19 vaccine and recorded an NBA-sanctioned PSA to urge general public to receive one as well. However, league has mentioned in past via commissioner Adam Silver that it won't jump ahead in line to get vaccines. NBA has worked with Ad Council and COVID-19 Prevention Network to promote safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccine. Silver, however, believes that if some high-profile African-Americans received COVID-19 vaccine, re could be greater awareness.

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NBA Commissioner ackwledged that re has been resistance from African-American communities due to historical reasons, but believes that vaccines are only way to cure it. Dr Anthony Fauci, director of National Institutes of Health said that leaders with large platforms such as ministers, entertainers and athletes can set an example by getting vaccine. Baseball Hall of Famer Hank Aaron has also received vaccine and hopes to spread mess. However, MLB legend passed away weeks after his vaccination. 

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(Im Courtesy: AP)