Pentagon announces COVID-19 vaccines will be mandatory for troops by mid-September

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin released a note on Monday saying he will ask the president to approve the creation Vaccines against covid-19 a requirement by mid-September. “I am confident that Service leadership and your commanders will implement this new immunization program with professionalism, competence and compassion,” Austin said in the memo.

Austin said he would seek the president’s approval to make the vaccine mandatory either by mid-September or immediately after formal clearance from the FDA, whichever comes first. Vaccines in the military are voluntary when subject to emergency use clearance by the FDA. The president has the power to break the rule and make the vaccine a requirement for the staff.

In a statement, President Biden said he “strongly” supports Austin’s decision.

“I am proud that our military men and women continue to lead the charge in the fight against this pandemic, as they so often do, by leading by example in ensuring the safety of their fellow Americans,” said Mr. Biden.

In July, Mr Biden asked Austin to work out when and how to make the vaccine mandatory. While FDA approval of Pfizer’s vaccine may move closer in the coming weeks, the danger posed by the highly contagious virus Delta variant prompted action.

The Defense Department, in a statement following Mr Biden’s speech last month, said Austin would consult with medical professionals as well as the Joint Chiefs of Staff to determine when to make recommendations to the president to demand COVID-19 vaccines. Since the start of the Biden administration, the ministry has urged staff to receive a vaccine and continues to do so.

“Vaccines remain the best and most effective way to prevent the spread of COVID, including the Delta variant,” Deputy Pentagon spokesman Jamal Brown said in a statement.

As of Monday, at least 74% of active duty personnel are partially vaccinated and 65% are fully vaccinated.

It’s a story of rupture. It will be updated.