With the rise of another coronavirus variant omicron, the federal government officials and healthcare systems have become much more aware and careful than before. Although the cases of the omicron variant are 43 with the increase in the travel and gathering during the Christmas festive season, the cases are expected to spike.
Booster Shots Eligibility Might Be Expanded For The Military Personnel
In the present situation, studies are being conducted to see what effects it can have on the human body. The principal concern that relates to the omicron variant is if it has more serious effects than other variants and whether it can be prevented using current vaccines.
The variants like omicron come to us as a reminder of the fact that the pandemic is not over yet. Till now, people are advised to follow the existing norms and guidelines like maintaining social distance, wearing masks, sanitizing hands, and keeping indoors cleaned. The omicron variant has been detected in many parts of the globe and therefore, it becomes the social responsibility of citizens to maximize taking precautions to prevent the spread of infection.
Well, it is not clear if the omicron holds the potential to spread quickly from one person to another as compared to other variants. Keeping these points in view, discussions around booster shots have been going on as reported by the Pentagon. Earlier in August, the National Guard and Reserves along with military members were asked to get their vaccination done compulsorily.
In the Month of November, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin asked all the National Guard and Reserve Service personnel to face the consequences if they refuse to take the vaccine. It might also lead to loss of pay. Many US states have opposed this rule against the federal vaccine mandate.
On questioning, John Kirby, the spokesperson of the Pentagon, said that more than 95 percent of all active-duty personnel have received the primary shot. Till now, no one has refused to take the shots and the drive has been successful enough. The people now understand the ramifications that they have to go through if they refused as stated by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. It hampers the productivity of their team and also affects the health of others.
As per the reports till now approximately 74 percent of the military personnel are fully vaccinated and now the Pentagon wants to increase the vaccination rate to 100 percent.
Also, specific deadlines have been provided for getting vaccinated for Air Force, Navy Force, and other active-duty personnel. This is good as it also inspires and motivates the citizens of the country to come forward and take care of their health. To avoid getting stuck with a public health crisis, it is necessary for the administration to prevent the spread of infection as much as possible and stop it from evolving and mutating.
Looking at the previous data and conditions that people were in, it will be a really heartbreaking situation for the nation to get into trouble again and find solutions to fight with a new variant. So, it becomes important to stay on a safer side to prevent yourself from falling into difficult and helpless conditions.
