Troops encouraged but not required to get COVID-19 booster shot

U.S. service members will be highly encouraged to get a COVID-19 booster shot, but it will not be mandatory.

“All DoD personnel are strongly encouraged to receive the booster dose to protect themselves against COVID-19,” reads guidance released by the Department of Defense Tuesday. “Individuals 18 years of age or older, who completed a primary vaccination series with an mRNA vaccine (i.e., Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty or
Moderna) at least six months ago, and those who received a Johnson & Johnson shot at least two months ago, are eligible for a booster dose.”

While booster shots are only being encouraged, initial vaccinations will still be a requirement for service members, Fox News has confirmed.

The news comes after the Pentagon said…