By the thousands, U.S. service members are refusing or putting off the COVID-19 vaccineWASHINGTON -- By the thousands, U.S. service members are refusing or putting off the COVID-19 vaccine as frustrated commanders scramble to knock down internet rumors and find the right pitch that will persuade troops to get the shot. Forces Command oversees major Army units, encompassing about 750,000 Army, Reserve and National Guard soldiers at 15 bases. Service leaders have vigorously campaigned for the vaccine. Officials from individual military services, however, said in interviews with The Associated Press that refusal rates vary widely, depending on a service member's age, unit, location, deployment status and other intangibles. Similar to the general population, younger service members are more likely to decline or ask to wait.

Source: ABC News February 17, 2021 18:25 UTC