The NBA delivered a warning to teams on Thursday that franchises are forbidden from pursuing and administering newly released coronavirus vaccines on a team-wide basis ahead of public health guidelines for prioritization, according to a memo obtained by ESPN.

In informing teams that medical experts advising the NBA are in agreement with the FDA that the new Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for the coronavirus are "safe and effective," the NBA told teams that the league will work to vaccinate its players and staffs "consistent with the timing and prioritization set by applicable public health guidelines," the memo said.

The NBA is allowing exceptions for team physicians and health-related personnel and older staff members or those with conditions that deliver a higher risk for complications upon contracting the coronavirus, the memo said.

The NBA plans to work with the National Basketball Players Association in the coming weeks and months on public campaigns to educate on the safety of vaccines, the memo said.