The Pentagon announced on Thursday that it will soon begin internal discussions about making the COVID-19 vaccine a mandatory requirement for military personnel.
"The Department of Defense is moving quickly to meet President Biden's commitment to defeat COVID-19, and that includes being able to ensure every member of our civilian and military workforce is protected," Deputy Pentagon press secretary Jamal Brown said in a statement Thursday.
"In accordance with the guidance the President issued today, all military and civilian DoD personnel will be asked to attest to their vaccination status. Personnel unable or unwilling to do that will be required to wear a mask, physically distance, comply with a regular testing requirement and be subject to official travel restrictions."
"Secretary Austin will also begin consulting our medical professionals, as well as the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to determine how and when to make recommendations to the President with respect to adding the COVID-19 vaccines to the full list of requirements for military personnel."
The press secretary added, "COVID-19 remains a significant and evolving threat to our nation's security," adding that vaccines "Remain the best and most effective way to prevent the spread of COVID, including the Delta variant."
Earlier this month, the Army Times reported that the Army has directed commands to prepare to administer mandatory COVID-19 vaccines as early as Sept. 1, pending full FDA licensure.
The Biden administration stated that federal workers and contractors will have to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or else wear masks, engage in social distancing, and submit to regular COVID-19 testing.
Friday, July 30, 2021
Pentagon to Start Talks on Mandating COVID-19 Vaccines for Military Personnel
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