Pentagon orders troops to get COVID-19 vaccine immediately
US Military,Coronavirus,Pentagon,National Defense,Coronavirus Vaccine,Vaccine Mandates,Defense And Security
The Pentagon on Wednesday ordered military troops to get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible, according to a memo from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin obtained by AP.
Why it matters: Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby said Wednesday that "on the active duty force, 68% is fully vaccinated, and we estimate just over 76% have at least one dose."
Here are figures Kirby provided, by branch:
Army: 40% fully vaccinated with 57% with one dose.
Marine Corps: 53% fully vaccinated, 60% with one dose.
Navy: 73% fully vaccinated, 79% with at least one dose.
Air Force, which includes Space Force: 57% fully vaccinated, 64% with one dose.
State of play: Although he didn't set an official deadline for vaccinations in the memo, Austin encouraged service leaders to “impose ambitious timelines for implementation," per AP.
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