NATA joins the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, National Federation of State High School Associations, National Collegiate Athletic Association, U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee and others, in support of a White House initiative, to encourage health care providers to have conversations about COVID-19 vaccinations during pre-participation exams.
“NATA is proud to join this powerful statement, alongside an elite group of health care organizations and sports governing bodies,” NATA President Kathy Dieringer, EdD, LAT, ATC, said. “The invitation is indeed a testament to the hard work and dedication of NATA members, especially as essential front-line health care practitioners during the pandemic. This, coupled with strong support on the advocacy and legislative fronts by NATA, is the result of our continued progress in promoting recognition of athletic trainers as public health care professionals.”
Read the full statement below.
We, the undersigned organizations, believe all athletes who do not have contraindications should be vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as they are eligible. 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. 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.
We advocate for all who are eligible today to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Visit vaccines.gov to learn more information, find locations, and make a plan to get vaccinated.
American Academy of Pediatrics
American Academy of Family Physicians
American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
American College of Emergency Physicians
American College of Sports Medicine
American Medical Society for Sports Medicine
American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine
National Athletic Trainers’ Association
National Federation of State High School Associations
National Collegiate Athletic Association
US Olympic & Paralympic Committee
