Vaccine Mandate & Exemptions

2.3.1. Vaccine Mandate General Info. According to the FDA, you should not be forced to take the COMIRNATY or Pfizer-BioNTech (see bottom of page 5 of FDA’s Vaccine Information Sheet).

2.3.2. Military. The Department of Defense (DoD) mandated the COVID-19 Vaccine for all military members. On 24 Aug 21, the DoD released a memorandum directing the “full vaccination of all members of the Armed Forces under DoD authority on active duty or in the Ready Reserve, including the National Guard,” claiming that the administration of “safe, effective COVID-19 vaccines has produced admirable results to date.” Here is a Public Affairs talking points memo from the Air Force Reserve Command. Military members can apply for an exemption to the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for certain health or religious reasons. Click here for guidance provided to leaders regarding refusals.

2.3.2.1.  Military Medical Exemption.  According to section 2-6 of AFI 48-110 (labeled differently depending on the service branch), medical exemptions can be based on a) underlying health condition (including a previous adverse response to immunization), or b) evidence of immunity based on serologic tests, documented infection, or similar circumstances. 

2.3.2.1.1.  How do I submit a military medical exemption? Contact your military healthcare provider. Just write a memo addressed to you G-Series Orders Commander. Reference Immunizations and Chemoprophylaxis for the Prevention of Infectious Diseases.

2.3.2.1.5.  What if my medical exemption from the military vaccine mandate is denied?  Consider appealing, filing an Article 138, or contacting your Aread Defense Counsel (ADC) or a private attorney (see section 3.5 below).

2.3.2.2.  Military Religious Accommodation Exemption.  According to section 2-6 of AFI 48-110 (labeled differently depending on the service branch), “exemptions for religious reasons may be granted according to Service-specific policies to accommodate religious beliefs.”  In order to apply for a religious accommodation exemption, follow the guidance for your service below. 

2.3.2.2.1. Air Force – Permanent exemptions for religious reasons are not granted; the MAJCOM commander is the designated approval and revocation authority for temporary immunization exemptions.

2.3.2.2.2. Army – According to Army Public Affairs, soldiers may request administrative or medical exemptions as outlined in Army Regulation 600-20 and AR 40-562, as well as the new Army Directive 2021-33 that provides supplementary guidance on exemption requests.

2.3.2.2.3. Coast Guard – CG–122 is the designated approval and revocation authority for religious immunization exemptions. USCG requests must be forwarded through the appropriate chain to Commandant CG–122 via CG–112.

2.3.2.2.4. Navy and Marine Corps – Waivers are granted on a case-by-case basis by the Chief, Bureau of Medicine, and Surgery.

2.3.2.2.1. Chaplain Interview. Here’s what to expect during your chaplain interview (guidance given to chaplains). A common argument chaplains are making is that “many drugs are developed using stem cells,” so arm yourself with the research. Questions that chaplains have been asking during religious accommodation request interviews: Are you seeking a religious accommodation? What is the accommodation you are seeking? Are you aware that this is a temporary one-time exemption for one year? (Air Force) Are you against all vaccines? Are you willing to take any of the 3 available vaccines? Are you aware that by denying these vaccines, you may be asked to separate and are you willing to do so? What is your particular religious affiliation? What is your religious objection to the vaccine or specific tents of faith that prevent you from taking the vaccine? What are your religious beliefs? Have you taken vaccines before? Click here for a video covering my experience with the Chaplain interviewing me on 2 Oct 21.

2.3.2.2.6. What if my religious accommodation exemption from the military vaccine mandate is denied? Consider appealing, filing an Article 138, or contacting your Aread Defense Counsel (ADC) or a private attorney (see section 3.5 below).

2.3.3.  Civilian

2.3.3.1.  Can I request an exemption from a vaccine mandate? Yes; here is the DoD form you must use.

2.3.3.2.  How do I get an exemption? Court cases must be won, because DoD has made it clear they desire all military members to receive the jab. Keep all of your records; it is likely there will be class action lawsuits.

2.3.3.3. Temporary Administrative Exemption. If you are prior COVID positive/recovered, you can apply for administrative exemption for 90 days based on legal action