The Pentagon will announce in the coming days a deadline by which service members must get the COVID-19 vaccine, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said Monday at a press briefing. The news came soon after the Food and Drug Administration gave full approval to the Pfizer vaccine. Many vaccine-hesitant people previously said they were concerned that the vaccines were authorized only on an emergency basis.

“The health of… our military and our civilian employees, families and communities is a top priority,” Kirby said. “These efforts ensure the safety of our service members and promote the readiness of our force, not to mention the health and safety of the communities around the country in which we live.”

DOD has reported 34 COVID-19 military deaths since the pandemic began, with 13 of those occurring this month, The Hill noted.

Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Megan Estrada