Pentagon: Compulsion of American Soldiers by September 15th

The Pentagon will require members of the US Army to be vaccinated against the Coronavirus by September 15th, reports the Associated Press.

This deadline could go forward if, meanwhile, the vaccine gets final approval from the American Food and Bars Administration (FDA) or the infection rate continues to rise.

“I will request the president's approval that vaccines become mandatory no later than in mid-September or shortly after receiving final permission from the Food and Barnat Administration, whatever comes first,” Defence Minister Lloyd Austin said in a letter to the soldiers, warning them to prepare.

“I will not hesitate to act earlier or recommend something different to the president if I consider it necessary,” he said.

The letter, in which the AP had access, is expected to be issued Monday. The message came just over a week after President Joe Biden told military officials to draw up a plan that would force soldiers to be vaccinated as part of a broader campaign to increase the vaccine rates in federal institutions.

Similar actions have been undertaken by governments and other companies worldwide as countries struggle with delta variant, as the number of infected, domestic and dead rose in the US to levels not seen since last winter's peak infection.

The FDA is expected to give final approval to the Pfizer vaccine early next month, and for now the vaccine has temporary approval for use.

Without official approval of the FDA, the defence minister must receive a special exception from President Biden so that he can present mandatory vaccination in the military.