Am I Allowed to Withdraw at the Last Second?

[justchillin]

I am applying to the Naval Academy for the class of 2027. My entire application is complete and now I'm just waiting. However, there is one issue that I can't stop thinking about. My parents are against the COVID-19 vaccine for personal reasons (not getting into that). Because of this, I am not able to get it myself as I am under 18 and will be until next fall. I can't stop thinking that if I get into USNA, I might not be able to go because of the vaccine mandate right now. I plan on accepting the possible appointment with the hope that things get cleared up by I-Day. However, if nothing changes will I be allowed to withdraw my acceptance right before? Thanks.

 

[Anonymous121]

The vaccine mandate has been withdrawn.

 

[THParent]

On January 11, 2023 SECDEF Austin rescinded the mandate for our armed forces.

 

[justchillin]

The vaccine mandate has been withdrawn.

I thought it hasn't changed for the service academies yet. I really hope I'm wrong.

 

[Capt MJ]

Call Admissions to discuss. Have your questions organized. Get the policy guidance direct from your primary source.

 

[justchillin]

Call Admissions to discuss. Have your questions organized. Get the policy guidance direct from your primary source.

Thanks for the advice. I'll do that.

 

[Capt MJ]

Thanks for the advice. I'll do that.

There is indeed policy flowing down from SecDef, and I’m sure USNA will have discussed how to respond to queries from incoming appointees. They know they have to be able to answer. You’ll feel better if you get it straight from them.

You can also try popping up using the live chat widget on the Admissions page. Have your candidate number handy. They usually have a live session for an hour or so most business days.

And - don’t be afraid to ask “what if I report in without having had a COVID vaccination?” - if it seems a logical follow-up. Or any other “what if” questions.

Have you looked at the other required vaccinations, an example of which is on the Plebe Summer Home pages. It still reflects Class of 2026 info and will be updated in the spring, but some things don’t change much. If you arrive at USNA without records of certain immunizations, you’ll probably get them on the spot.

Look at the “Permit To Report.” If you’re asking questions about vaccinations, you might have questions on others than COVID.

Plebe Summer Home

Plebe Summer Home page for Plebe Summer at USNA.edu. Updated Fri Jun 16 11:08:37 EDT 2023.

www.usna.edu

 

[justchillin]

There is indeed policy flowing down from SecDef, and I’m sure USNA will have discussed how to respond to queries from incoming appointees. They know they have to be able to answer. You’ll feel better if you get it straight from them.

You can also try popping up using the live chat widget on the Admissions page. Have your candidate number handy. They usually have a live session for an hour or so most business days.

And - don’t be afraid to ask “what if I report in without having had a COVID vaccination?” - if it seems a logical follow-up. Or any other “what if” questions.

Have you looked at the other required vaccinations, an example of which is on the Plebe Summer Home pages. It still reflects Class of 2027 info and will be updated in the spring, but some things don’t change much. If you arrive at USNA without records of certain immunizations, you’ll probably get them on the spot.

Look at the “Permit To Report.” If you’re asking questions about vaccinations, you might have questions on others than COVID.

Plebe Summer Home

Plebe Summer Home page for Plebe Summer at USNA.edu. Updated Fri Jun 16 11:08:37 EDT 2023.

www.usna.edu

Going to do everything you suggested. Thanks again!

 

[Old Navy BGO]

The answer to the underlying question is yes...you can withdraw anytime before I Day ...and actually anytime until 2nd Class year starts (but the process is harder after I Day). That said, latest policy I have heard (and it was relatively recent and in straight from Admissions) is that COVID Vax is still required. Of course, a lot can change between now and I Day.

That said, the vaccination is controversial, for better or for worse, and I don't want to start a debate on the pros/cons here, but even if the vaccine is no longer required as a matter of Big Navy or DOD policy, I suspect that it will continue to play a role in DOD/Navy policy and/or have an effect on Midshipmen. I doubt we will ever get to a point where there is a "no discrimination" policy that renders the decision to vax or not without any repercussions or effect (unless of course someone comes up with a showing that the vax has no benefit at all). What that means is that at some point, you have to make the individual choice and deal with the consequences of the choice.

 

[usna1985]

Here’s the other thing. Today the issue is the COVID vaccine. A few years from now, while you’re still in the military, it could be something else. Military members have always had to get all sorts of vaccines. For some, COVID was different; for most, it wasn’t.

Finally, once you show up at USNA, you’re an adult. That means you make your own decisions. I’m not telling you to disregard your parents but the decision is soon yours, not theirs. You have to decide what is more important for you.

 

[EvansinAZ]

Our regional director replied this morning that the C19 vaccine still required, FWIW, but they are awaiting further guidance.

 

[bopper]

Check and see if parental consent is not required in your state

State Parental Consent Laws for COVID-19 Vaccination

Filling the need for trusted information on national health issues

www.kff.org

 

[justdoit19]

I am applying to the Naval Academy for the class of 2027. My entire application is complete and now I'm just waiting. However, there is one issue that I can't stop thinking about. My parents are against the COVID-19 vaccine for personal reasons (not getting into that). Because of this, I am not able to get it myself as I am under 18 and will be until next fall. I can't stop thinking that if I get into USNA, I might not be able to go because of the vaccine mandate right now. I plan on accepting the possible appointment with the hope that things get cleared up by I-Day. However, if nothing changes will I be allowed to withdraw my acceptance right before? Th

Could OP get the parental consent form signed for admission on Iday as a 17 yr old, and then get the Vax on their own, after the consent form is signed? IOW, does the consent form include permission to make decisions related to IDay (ie get their vax)? Alternately, could they report without the vax and receive it there (similar to other ‘missed’ vax’s in their record)? Is the Covid vax treated differently than remaining required vax’s?

A call to admissions, as already suggested, is the right answer. I’m just thinking and wondering out loud, myself.

 

[usna1985]

I believe that, once you join the military, you are considered "emancipated" even if under the age of 18.

Until you receive an appointment, there is no issue. If you receive an appointment, I suggest you reach out proactively to Admissions as described above. I don't know how they deal with individuals who can't get a vaccine before I-Day due to parental consent issues but are prepared to get it on I-Day -- but I'm sure you're not the first person in the military who has had this situation so I bet they have an answer.

As an aside, there is no need to raise this with Admissions until you have an appointment in hand. Facts could change (maybe your parents change their mind, maybe the requirement is lifted). Raising the issue AT THIS TIME serves no purpose other than to give USNA reason not to appoint you. Once you have an appointment, you have plenty of time (even before making your decision on acceptance) to speak with Admissions about your medical situation and should do so.