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COVID-19 vaccinations will be mandatory for all U.S. military personnel.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will seek approval for the COVID-19 vaccine to become mandatory for all U.S. military service members by mid-September, according to a note he sent to all departmental employees of the defense.
“I want you to know that I will seek the president’s approval to make vaccines mandatory no later than mid-September, or immediately after the Food and Drug Agency (FDA) licensure, whichever comes first. contingency, “Austin wrote in the memo.
A US official initially confirmed Austin’s decision to ABC News before it was later made public in the written message to all members of the US military service.
“By way of waiting, public reports suggest that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine could gain full FDA approval early next month. The next few weeks will be spent preparing for this transition,” Austin wrote. .
In a statement released shortly after Austin’s note was sent, the president said, “I strongly support Secretary Austin’s message to the Force today on the Defense Department’s plan to add the COVID-19 vaccine to the list of required vaccinations for our military. by mid-September at the latest. Secretary Austin and I share an unwavering commitment to ensuring that our troops have all the tools they need to do so. their work in the safest way possible. These vaccines will save lives. Period. They are safe. They are effective. “
“We cannot give up the fight against COVID-19, especially with the Delta variant which is spreading rapidly among unvaccinated populations. We are still on a war footing, and every eligible American should take immediate action to do so. vaccinate immediately, ”Biden said. the statement continued.
Since COVID-19 vaccines are currently only used under emergency use clearance from the FDA, Biden will have to grant a waiver to allow the Pentagon to make vaccinations mandatory.
DOD press secretary John Kirby told reporters on Monday that 73% of active-duty troops have at least one dose and more than 60% are now fully vaccinated.
Until Austin’s recommendation for a term, the US military could only recommend that the military get vaccinated. However, Pentagon officials had said that once the FDA approves a COVID vaccine, they will begin to consider whether it should be made mandatory for U.S. military personnel, just like the other 17 vaccines that are mandatory for personnel. American military.
Austin’s decision follows Biden’s announcement two weeks ago that federal employees would be required to provide proof of vaccination or undergo regular testing. Biden also ordered the Pentagon to explore “how and when” it could require the military to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
In addition to the recommendation to make the vaccine mandatory, Austin wrote that “we will comply with the president’s guidelines regarding additional restrictions and requirements for unvaccinated federal personnel.”
Kirby did not provide details when asked at Monday’s press conference.
“I don’t have the details of any of this today,” Kirby said. “We are working hard on what will be an upcoming policy directive in the next few days that will spell out what these requirements and restrictions are and how they apply to all DOD employees, including uniformed personnel,” Kirby said.
Austin pleaded with unvaccinated people on his ward to get vaccinated before they were needed.
“I strongly encourage all military and civilian personnel in the DoD – as well as contracted personnel – to get vaccinated now and military service members not to wait for the warrant,” he wrote.
“All COVID-19 vaccines cleared by the FDA are safe and very effective,” Austin said. “They will protect you and your family. They will protect your unit, your ship and your colleagues. And they will ensure that we remain the deadliest and most ready force in the world. Get vaccinated. Stay healthy. . Stay ready. “
Read the memo:
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