DOD to mandate vaccine following recent FDA approval

The Pentagon said today it will soon mandate vaccinations for all U.S. troops following the Food and Drug Administration’s new approval of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine.

At a briefing today, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby reminded reporters that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced his intent to mandate a COVID-19 vaccine earlier this month upon approval from the FDA.

“Now that the Pfizer vaccine has been approved, the department is prepared to issue updated guidance requiring all servicemembers to be vaccinated,” he said.

Kirby said a timeline for vaccination completion will be provided in the coming days.

“It's important to remind everyone that these efforts ensure the safety of our servicemembers and promote the readiness of our force not to mention the health and safety of the communities around the country in which we live,” he said.