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Free COVID vaccinations are available at a number of local pharmacies and medical facilities
The Pentagon's top official took a step toward mandating COVID-19 vaccinations for U.S. military personnel, according to an Aug. 9 memo penned by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to "the Force."
In the memo, Austin tells troops he intends to ask the President for approval to add the COVID-19 vaccine to those already on the list of compulsory inoculations. Austin hopes to have approval, "...no later than mid-September, or immediately upon the U.S. Food and Drug Agency (FDA) licensure, whichever comes first."
"To defend this nation, we need a healthy and ready force," Austin wrote. "I strongly encourage all DoD military and civilian personnel – as well as contractor personnel – to get vaccinated now and for military service members not to wait for the mandate.
"Get the shot. Stay healthy. Stay ready."