The Air Force said this week that airmen and guardians who are not fully vaccinated by the Nov. 2 deadline will face disciplinary action including potential prosecution.
“Should a service member refuse to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, commanders retain the full range of disciplinary options available to them under law and policy, some of which includes issuing administrative paperwork, imposing nonjudicial punishment, or referring court-martial charges,” the Air Force said in a statement.
Active duty members of the Air Force are required to be vaccinated by Nov 2. Reservists and Air National Guard members have until Dec. 2. To be considered fully vaccinated, a service member must wait two weeks after finishing the one- or two-shot regimen.
By the beginning of the week, about 93% of the Air Force was fully vaccinated, and about 96% had taken at least one dose, the service reported.
“To those yet to get vaccinated, the order is clear: You have a responsibility to take action now, protect our nation and those we love, or be held accountable for failing to do so,” Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said.
Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Ryan Mancuso