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.
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