The defense secretary is considering making COVID-19 vaccines mandatory for all active-duty US troops, report says
Jim Lo Scalzo/Pool via AP
- Lloyd Austin is considering making vaccines mandatory for active-duty troops, CNN reported.
- He could seek approval as early as this week, CNN reported.
- Biden had asked the Pentagon to look at "how and when" COVID-19 shots could be mandatory for troops.
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COVID-19 vaccines could soon become mandatory for active-duty US troops as Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin considers seeking authorization for the move as soon as this week, CNN reported.
A defense official told CNN that Austin's "inclination is towards making the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory" for active duty troops.
He could ask Biden to allow the move before there is full approval by the US Food and Drug Administration.
Officials told CNN that the Pentagon could decide this week on how to proceed.
The White House had asked the Pentagon last month to look into "how and when they will add COVID-19 vaccination to the list of required vaccinations for members of the military."
Biden also announced last week that federal employees must be fully vaccinated or be tested regularly for COVID-19 and wear a mask.