PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The Department of the Air Force released a policy and fact sheet detailing COVID-19 vaccination guidance for DoD civilians on Feb. 22.
The Secretary of Defense’s top priority is protecting the workforce and encouraging all personnel to get vaccinated to protect their health as well as the health of their coworkers and families.
The vaccines are safe and effective, but remain optional for all employees until one of the vaccines receives full Food and Drug Administration approval and licensure.
DAF has commenced vaccinating the Total Force and its beneficiaries, including civilian employees. Commanders are expected to manage the COVID-19 vaccination program as a high priority, making every effort to exhaust available doses. If any personnel declines the vaccine, commanders should vaccinate the next individual within the priority scheme.
Only civilian employees occupying positions that contain properly developed physical and medical requirements, to include immunizations, will be asked whether they have been vaccinated.
Civilian employees who get vaccinated through either DoD or private providers will be authorized up to four hours of administrative leave, including travel time, to obtain the vaccination.
Individuals are encouraged to return to the same location for their second vaccine dose. Follow on care will be provided through employees’ existing health care plans or personal health care providers.
These novel vaccines are designed to protect people from severe symptoms and death, however, it is still unknown whether it will prevent mild symptoms or transmission of the virus. Commanders must continue to implement all available mitigation strategies to include maximizing telework, mandatory mask wearing for all individuals, and maintain a minimum 6-foot social distancing,
DoD civilians are encouraged to read the full guidance and fact sheet, available for download at https://peterson.usaf.afpims.mil/Portals/15/Vaccination%20DAF%20Policy%20and%20Fact%20Sheet%20Final%2022Feb21_1.pdf