Pentagon Eyes Possible Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccine as FDA Weighs Approval

SSG Robert Mark Odom 6 Jul 2021
Military.com | By Stephen Losey , Patricia Kime and Steve Beynon
"The Pentagon is considering making COVID-19 vaccinations for troops mandatory once the Food and Drug Administration fully approves the shots, part of ongoing discussions about the next step in the agency’s response.

In a briefing with reporters Tuesday, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said senior leaders within the Defense Department have had "some preliminary discussions" about what would happen if and when full FDA approval comes through.

"Should the FDA approve it, then I am certain that Pentagon leadership will take a look at what our options are going forward, including the potential option of making it mandatory," Kirby said.

But he had no new decisions or procedures to announce Tuesday.

Troops are already mandated to get 17 different vaccines, including shots against measles, mumps, diphtheria, hepatitis, smallpox and the flu."

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