In a concerning development from the Pentagon, it has been revealed that approximately one-third of U.S. military personnel are choosing not to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. As the nation strives to vaccinate its populace, resistance from various groups, including anti-vaccine advocates and those skeptical of the pandemic’s severity, has become apparent. This trend is also reflected within the armed forces, where a significant number of troops are reportedly declining the vaccine when offered.
As reported by The Daily Journal, Pentagon officials disclosed that the refusal rate among military members slightly exceeds that of the general American public. This trend is consistent across both active-duty service members and National Guard personnel. Notably, these troops have been actively involved in administering COVID-19 tests and vaccinations to civilians.
Currently, nearly one million military personnel and their contractors have received the vaccine, as stated by Chris Anderson, acting assistant secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, during a recent congressional session. While the Pentagon can mandate certain standard vaccinations for its troops, it cannot enforce the COVID-19 vaccine as it is only available under federal emergency use authorizations. Consequently, military officials can only encourage service members to get vaccinated.
Major General Mark Roberts, vice director of operations for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, confirmed that troops who decide against the vaccine remain eligible for overseas deployment. He emphasized the importance of ongoing communication regarding the vaccine’s safety to service members.
This hesitance to get vaccinated is not limited to military personnel; a survey by the Health Foundation found that 31% of American civilians are also opting to wait before receiving the vaccine. The report highlighted that refusal rates are particularly prevalent among Republican voters and Hispanic adults, including some individuals working in healthcare.
While the Pentagon has not specified the exact number of troops declining the vaccine, many National Guard members are currently assisting with vaccine distribution in various states. Interestingly, military leaders have identified deployment as a motivating factor for vaccination, with Navy sailors recently opting for the shot at rates above 80% to 90%.
Given that service members often work in close quarters, the decision to forgo vaccination raises concerns. Recently, members of the National Guard contracted COVID-19 while stationed at the Capitol during a crucial time in U.S. politics. It is hoped that the Pentagon will find effective strategies to encourage higher vaccination rates among service members, which could also influence the broader American public.
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In summary, about one-third of U.S. troops are opting out of the COVID-19 vaccine, a trend that mirrors civilian hesitance. The Pentagon is unable to mandate the vaccine but is focused on encouraging vaccination through communication about safety. This situation raises concerns about the health of military personnel, particularly given their close living conditions.