Nov 3, 2021 - Health

Air Force: Nearly 97% of active members complied with vaccine mandate

Jacob Knutson

A U.S. Air Force Airman preparing a dose of coronavirus vaccine at a vaccination clinic in Boston in February 2021. — A U.S. Air Force service member preparing a dose of a coronavirus vaccine in Boston in February. Photo: Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images

The Air Force said Wednesday that nearly 97% of its approximately 326,000 active duty service members have complied with Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's mandate and have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine before the branch's Nov. 2 deadline.

Why it matters: Around 8,500 active members missed the deadline. Many of them have filed for medical exemptions and religious accommodations, which are being reviewed by the department.

The department said its medical personnel vaccinated nearly 100,000 service members in just over two months

What they're saying: “Our Airmen need to be prepared to operate anytime, anywhere in the world,” Air Force chief of staff Gen. CQ Brown said in a statement.

“Getting vaccinated ensures we are a ready force to meet our commitments to the nation while protecting the health of our team and families," he added.

What's next: Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve members are required to receive at least one dose by Dec. 2.

Go deeper: Biden announces new strategy to reduce military and veteran suicides

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Air Force: Nearly 97% of active members complied with vaccine mandate

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