ALL TROOPS DUE TO RECEIVE VIRUS SHOTS

Mandatory COVID-19 inoculations for U.S. Armed Forces personnel seems to be a normal routine, so why the fuss by some, asks Grumpy Editor.

Military personnel need protection from dangerous infections they can contract during training, based on occupation, during overseas deployment or because of underlying health status.

Yet, there is some static.

Despite a massive effort by the Pentagon to promote the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines, the U.S. military's opt-out rate for vaccinations may be far higher than the 33 percent figure defense officials have used publicly, reports CNN, adding conversations with military medical officials and service members, as well as data from several bases and units around the country, suggest the current rejection rate may be closer to 50 percent.

Grumpy Editor recalls a time years ago when just-inducted military recruits, who become government property, did not have much to say when lined up for physicals.  They received an experimental flu shot that was not entered on their shots record.  But it worked.  No flu, even in cold regions.

Things are changing. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is preparing to issue a mandate for all troops to receive the coronavirus vaccine after the Food and Drug Administration gave its full authorization for one of the shots.

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