Navy Starts Process of Discharging Sailors Who Refuse COVID-19 Vaccine

Says unvaccinated sailors can change their minds and get vaccine after deadline

A Navy officer receives a COVID-19 vaccine booster during a mass-immunization exercise on Naval Air Station Sigonella, on Dec. 7, 2021. U.S. Navy photo/Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Josh Cote

The U.S. Navy is set to discharge sailors who have refused to get vaccinated against COVID-19, but sailors can still stay in the service if they change their minds.

The announcement comes after the Air Force confirmed earlier this week that it has discharged 27 of its members over COVID-19 vaccine refusal.