WASHINGTON — The U.S. military announced updated COVID-19 vaccination rates and exemption requests for the Total Army as of August 11, 2022.
Maintaining readiness continues to be one of the Army’s highest priorities, and the COVID 19 vaccine helps ensure soldiers are ready. Effective July 1, 2022, as directed by the Secretary of Defense, members of the Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve who have refused DOD legal COVID-19 vaccination requirements without a temporary or permanent exemption (to include religious accommodation) may not participate in federally funded exercises, training, and other duties, or receive pension payment or credit.
However, unit commanders may place unvaccinated reserve component soldiers into an appropriate duty status for limited administrative purposes, such as receiving the vaccine, processing their exemption requests, or conducting procedures. of seperation. Soldiers could receive compensation and pension credit for those days of service.
Army policy allows soldiers to submit requests for temporary (up to 365 days) or permanent medical exemptions through medical channels. Soldiers can also request an administrative exemption from the obligation to vaccinate. Administrative exemptions include requests for religious accommodations.
Army officials review each request on an individual basis to determine if an exemption is appropriate. Medical requests are reviewed primarily by health care providers, while religious accommodation requests include interviews with the soldier’s chaplain, recommendations from the chain of command, as well as a public health review and a legal review.
All soldiers who refuse orders to be vaccinated without an approved or pending exemption request are subject to certain adverse administrative measures, including flags, prohibitions from continuing to serve, 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 military accesses and dismisses soldiers and continues to refine data tracking processes, vaccination percentages will vary slightly.
The military will release additional details as they become available.
For more information on Army vaccination rates, contact the U.S. Army Media Relations Division at usarmy.pentagon.hqda-ocpa.mbx.mrd-press-desk@army.mil.
