WASHINGTON – The U.S. Army updated COVID-19 vaccination rates and exemption requests for the Total Army as of December 8, 2022.
Maintaining readiness continues to be among the Army’s highest priorities, and the COVID 19 vaccine helps ensure Soldiers are ready. Beginning July 1, 2022, as directed by the Secretary of Defense, members of the Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve who have refused the lawful DOD COVID-19 vaccination requirements without a temporary or permanent exemption (to include a religious accommodation) may not participate in federally funded drills, training, and other duty nor receive payment or retirement credit.
However, unit commanders may place unvaccinated reserve component Soldiers in an appropriate duty status for limited administrative purposes, such as receiving the vaccine, processing their exemption requests, or conducting separation procedures. Soldiers could receive compensation and retirement credit for these service days.
Army policy allows Soldiers to submit requests for temporary (up to 365 days) or permanent medical exemptions through medical channels. Soldiers may also request an administrative exemption from the vaccine requirement. Administrative exemptions include requests for religious accommodations.
Army officials review each request on an individual basis to determine whether an exemption is appropriate. Medical requests are reviewed primarily by healthcare providers, while religious accommodation requests include interviews with the Soldier’s chaplain, recommendations from the chain of command, as well as a public health and a legal review.
All Soldiers who refuse the order to be vaccinated without an approved or pending exemption request are subject to certain adverse administrative actions, including flags, bars to continued service, and official reprimands. Soldiers who continue to refuse the vaccination order without an approved or pending exemption may also be subject to additional adverse administrative action, including separation.
As the Army accesses and discharges Soldiers and continues to refine data tracking processes, the vaccination percentages will vary slightly.
The Army will publish additional details as they become available.
For additional information on Army vaccination rates, contact the U.S. Army Media Relations Division at usarmy.pentagon.hqda-ocpa.mbx.mrd-press-desk@army.mil.
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