Pentagon makes COVID-19 vaccine mandatory for civilian workers

WASHINGTON – All civilians who work for the Department of Defense and military services must be fully immunized against COVID-19 by November 22, according to new guidelines released on Monday.

A note signed by Assistant Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks on Friday said the new mandate was in line with a presidential directive issued last month requiring federal agencies to implement vaccine requirements.

“Vaccinating civilian employees (of the department) against COVID-19 will save lives and enable the defense of our nation,” Hicks said. “Thank you for focusing on this crucial mission. “

The note presents a schedule for two-dose and one-dose vaccines.

Earlier this year, the Pentagon required all members of the military to get vaccinated, and each service set its own dates for active duty and reserves in order to comply with the mandate. Those who receive the FDA-approved Pfizer vaccine should receive their first dose by October 18 and their second dose by November 8. Those who receive the Moderna vaccine should receive their first dose by October 11 and their second dose by November 8. And those who receive the Johnson & Johnson single-shot vaccine must be vaccinated by November 8.

Individuals are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second injection, or after the single Johnson and Johnson injection. Moderna and J&J vaccines are authorized in case of emergency.

The memo says those who have had COVID-19 infections are “not considered fully vaccinated” for the purposes of the warrant.

Each of the military services has published its own deadlines for its personnel to be vaccinated. Active-duty soldiers in the Army must be fully immunized by December 15, and the Army Reserve and National Guard by June 30, 2022.

Active duty in the Navy must be fully vaccinated by November 28 and the Navy Reserve by December 28. The Marine Corp has similar dates in late November for active duty and late December for reserves.

Active-duty members of the Air Force and Space Force must be fully immunized by November 2, and guard and reserve personnel by December 2.

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