Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has ordered more than 800,000 military personnel to be immediately vaccinated against COVID-19.
In a memo to service leaders Associated Press, Austin said they need to “set an ambitious implementation timeline” Coronavirus disease vaccine For the army.
According to the Associated Press, the memo said that although the memo does not provide a direct timetable, it needs to provide regular progress reports on vaccination.
“In order to defend this country, we need a healthy and prepared force,” Austin said in the memo.
“After careful consultation with medical experts and military leaders, and with the support of the President, I determined Compulsory vaccination Fighting the coronavirus disease… is necessary to protect the troops and defend the American people,” he continued.
Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said at a press conference on Wednesday: “The secretary has made it clear to the military department that he hopes they can move quickly and get the troops fully vaccinated as soon as possible.”
Kirby continued: “This is a legal order. We fully anticipate that our troops will obey the legal order. When you raise your right hand to take an oath, this is what you agree to do.”
The expedited schedule for vaccination is Pfizer vaccine It received full approval from the Food and Drug Administration on Monday. According to the overview of the Biden administration, the military vaccination mission is scheduled to be carried out in mid-September before obtaining approval.
Pfizer vaccine has now been added to the list of vaccinations required for military service. Depending on the deployment situation, the vaccine has included as many as 17 different vaccines.
The Associated Press said that because the Pentagon has enough vaccine supplies to meet demand, Pfizer vaccines will be provided at bases and global headquarters. Service personnel can also choose the COVID vaccine of their choice, but must provide proof of vaccination.
More than 800,000 service personnel have not yet been vaccinated against COVID. Due to the narrow living and working space for service personnel, officials have been promoting this vaccination. This situation will promote a virus outbreak and affect the defense capabilities of the military.
Kirby said: “In the active military, 68% of people have been fully vaccinated, and we estimate that slightly more than 76% have at least one dose.”
according to Data from the Department of Defense, 34 soldiers died of COVID-19.
Photo: US Army in Korea/Handout
