C/O 2026 must be vaccinated before Iday

Just get the vaccine for goodness sake, why must we endlessly wring our hands over this. With double shots and boosters around the world literally billions of shots have been taken with minor or no side effects but we are obsessed with that one person you know or know someone who knows who died after getting the shot regardless of whether any causality between the two things can actually be shown. I am not denying that some people got ill or even died but lets keep some sense of proportion here. I just thank G-d we didn't have this many snowflakes around fifty years ago or we would all still be dying of Polio and Smallpox....okay deep breath....
 
Emsa said:
Just get the vaccine for goodness sake, why must we endlessly wring our hands over this. With double shots and boosters around the world literally billions of shots have been taken with minor or no side effects but we are obsessed with that one person you know or know someone who knows who died after getting the shot regardless of whether any causality between the two things can actually be shown. I am not denying that some people got ill or even died but lets keep some sense of proportion here. I just thank G-d we didn't have this many snowflakes around fifty years ago or we would all still be dying of Polio and Smallpox....okay deep breath....
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"Just get the vaccine for goodness sake" - if a student want to attend an SA, you're absolutely right. It sounds like there will be no choice.

But trivializing the debate of mandated vaccination is another story. There is a roaring debate for good reason.

Polio and Smallpox are diseases of childhood. That is why they are/were part of mandated vaccination, just like other currently mandated vaccines (Measles, Mumps, Rubella, etc.). Every child born is/was at substantial risk, has no voice to object and almost nobody wants to risk losing or disfiguring their child. Furthermore, the vaccine was given for the individual, not to protect someone else. Herd immunity arose secondarily.

Coronavirus is a threat to the old, the obese and the immunocompromised - subsets of society. It can be argued that vaccination should be treated like other diseases that pose a risk to subsets, like influenza (old, immunocompromised, healthcare workers), pneumococcus (immunocompromised), yellow fever and hepatitis A (travelers), rabies (those working with animals), etc. Those not in the subsets do not get vaccinated because their personal risk of illness and associated consequence is much lower than the also low risk of the vaccine. THAT is the point of many people not wanting the COVID vaccine, particularly those under 50yo and without risk factors. And the relative risk is even lower in those under 20yo, who have an extremely low risk of hospitalization and a trivial risk of long-term morbidity from COVID infection. Yes - the incidence of myocarditis and other vaccine complications is low. But it is not clear which risk is lower. So, why are we forcing one risk on our youth, when the choice is unclear?

The answer is the narrative that everyone needs to get vaccinated to protect the vulnerable groups. And since the vulnerable group in this case (older adults) holds power and can impose mandates, we find ourselves in a roaring debate.

But like most every other debates these days, compromise is not achieved by trivializing the views of the opposite opinion. Compromise is found in the gray, not in the black or white.
 
Emsa said:
Just get the vaccine for goodness sake, why must we endlessly wring our hands over this. With double shots and boosters around the world literally billions of shots have been taken with minor or no side effects but we are obsessed with that one person you know or know someone who knows who died after getting the shot regardless of whether any causality between the two things can actually be shown. I am not denying that some people got ill or even died but lets keep some sense of proportion here. I just thank G-d we didn't have this many snowflakes around fifty years ago or we would all still be dying of Polio and Smallpox....okay deep breath....
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Snowflakes?

Nothing wrong with comparing the adverse effects of the vaccine vs covid in the physically fit under 25. That would be science.
 
A1Janitor said:
Snowflakes?

Nothing wrong with comparing the adverse effects of the vaccine vs covid in the physically fit under 25. That would be science.
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If you plan on going into the military then you are going to get a multitude of vaccines and shots anyway. I don't understand what the big deal is.
Sure, I agree that people under 50 that are in shape probably do not need the shot but is it worth throwing a career away?
 
No one is required to get the Covid vaccine. Just like no one is required to attend one of the service academies. If someone chooses to not get vaccinated, they are making the choice to not attend. It has been made clear that if you are not fully vaccinated, you will be turned away and not allowed to continue.
 
chrisb1113 said:
If you plan on going into the military then you are going to get a multitude of vaccines and shots anyway. I don't understand what the big deal is.
Sure, I agree that people under 50 that are in shape probably do not need the shot but is it worth throwing a career away?
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My son took the shots though he didn’t want them.

Nobody questions whether the military can require them or remove people if they don’t get them. At some point people will question if they should have been required.

I just don’t think it is fair to call people snowflakes or question their patriotism because they question the science.
 
"Just get the vaccine for goodness sake" - if a student want to attend an SA, you're absolutely right. It sounds like there will be no choice.

But trivializing the debate of mandated vaccination is another story. There is a roaring debate for good reason.

Polio and Smallpox are diseases of childhood. That is why they are/were part of mandated vaccination, just like other currently mandated vaccines (Measles, Mumps, Rubella, etc.). Every child born is/was at substantial risk, has no voice to object and almost nobody wants to risk losing or disfiguring their child. Furthermore, the vaccine was given for the individual, not to protect someone else. Herd immunity arose secondarily.

Coronavirus is a threat to the old, the obese and the immunocompromised - subsets of society. It can be argued that vaccination should be treated like other diseases that pose a risk to subsets, like influenza (old, immunocompromised, healthcare workers), pneumococcus (immunocompromised), yellow fever and hepatitis A (travelers), rabies (those working with animals), etc. Those not in the subsets do not get vaccinated because their personal risk of illness and associated consequence is much lower than the also low risk of the vaccine. THAT is the point of many people not wanting the COVID vaccine, particularly those under 50yo and without risk factors. And the relative risk is even lower in those under 20yo, who have an extremely low risk of hospitalization and a trivial risk of long-term morbidity from COVID infection. Yes - the incidence of myocarditis and other vaccine complications is low. But it is not clear which risk is lower. So, why are we forcing one risk on our youth, when the choice is unclear?

The answer is the narrative that everyone needs to get vaccinated to protect the vulnerable groups. And since the vulnerable group in this case (older adults) holds power and can impose mandates, we find ourselves in a roaring debate.

But like most every other debates these days, compromise is not achieved by trivializing the views of the opposite opinion. Compromise is found in the gray, not in the black or white.
 
hopefulmom1972 said:
There are risks, even if they are small, to both COVID and the vaccines. It is hard for me to determine what is best for my 18 year old son.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35157759/
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I’m a mom of an 18 year old son too and understand where you are coming from. My husband is a Naval Officer in the reserves, and they are required to get plenty of shots…even an annual flu shot. I do think Covid is comparable to the flu in younger/healthy people, but the question lies…if an annual flu shot is required, how can you justify not requiring a Covid vaccine? A soldiers duty is to protect and serve, if a whole ship or unit is out with Covid/flu what does that do for national security and does that not put their fellow soldiers lives in danger?

I totally get the argument with the general population but when it comes to the military, so many shots and vaccines are already required. I think the mind frame should be keeping the unit healthy and strong.
 
Yes. The vaccine is required. Get it. The problem is that THIS vaccine is not like all the others. It has not been fully tested and the damaging results to young women's reproductive systems and young mens heart health have not been studied, but have been documented. But science DOES clearly support the notion that young healthy people have virtually NO risk of harmful Covid side effects. I was forced to take the Anthrax vaccine in the Navy almost 20 years ago after fighting it for 2 years, due to no data regarding pregnancy. I had no choice. Now, my DD has not been vaccinated against Covid, but did get it. It was like mild flu. Then recently, 4 of the 6 people in our home contracted Covid; BUT NOT THE 2 UNVACCINATED people. The point of this is that it is proper to ask the WHY? It makes no sense. A proper risk analysis had not been done. Just a mandate. My DD will get the vaccine because of her SA dreams; but we will pray that her future health will not be impacted.
 
As mentioned several times above about natural immunity, it would be nice for it to be recognized as the NCAA has done as far as the boosters, there is no DoD mandate so I have no idea what leg the academy has to stand on for that requirement. DS refused booster as he is dealing with a significant side effect from the JJ vaccine.
 
A1Janitor said:
I believe it wasn’t a drunk post.

There are people around the country where hospitals won’t perform necessary transplant operations absent a vaccine.
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I recently heard of one where a man was denied a heart transplant due to the fact he isn't vaccinated. Even though he passed all the tests with flying colors.
 
chrisb1113 said:
If you plan on going into the military then you are going to get a multitude of vaccines and shots anyway. I don't understand what the big deal is.
Sure, I agree that people under 50 that are in shape probably do not need the shot but is it worth throwing a career away?
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The thing with some people, it could possibly throw my career away by taking it. My mother developed Raynaud's Syndrome, joint pain, a 6 month delay in her cycle, and numbness of her extremities after taking the vaccine in December of 2021. So far the research is pointing towards an underlying autoimmune condition she has which caused those side affects. I carry the ANA marker (which is present in those with lupus), as well as my mom. Otherwise, we're both healthy and fit. It would prevent me from pursuing my backup plan if the military doesn't work out, which is music. As a cellist I believe my hands are necessary...

My point being is that many people other than me have reasonable concern for hesitating. Each should be handled on a cases by case basis and not ridiculed or put down. It's kind of like someone saying "COVID isn't that serious" to someone who's family member has been compromised due to the virus. You never know someone's backstory.
 
F4EF15 said:
I can't imagine this.

Soldier: "Sir, I got hit. Bleeding too much. Help!!!!"

Prestigious SA Graduate: "No worries. You are ok.
But first things first!" "Let me..."

Soldier: "Ahh..sir...help!"

Prestigious SA Graduate" "As said, first things first!"
"Are you fully vaccinated or partially?" "I can't locate your vaccine card now!" "First things first. Where is it?"

Soldier: "What the $&#.....Just do it!"
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Oh I thought it was more like "I have a religious exemption not to have to wear a kevlar vest to protect myself in battle"
 
usafacellist2026 said:
I recently heard of one where a man was denied a heart transplant due to the fact he isn't vaccinated. Even though he passed all the tests with flying colors.
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Yes, because 1) organ recipients have to take mmunosuppressive drugs for the rest of their life and are more vulnerable to Covid and other communicable diseases. 2) They don't want to give an organ to someone who may die of covid 3) If they aren't compliants with vaccines will be they compliant with maintentance drugs?
 
Not to sound harsh, but this will be one of many times in their Air Force career they won’t have an option regarding vaccines and immunizations. My nephew and his wife were both lined up for shots prior to deployments…no questions, no discussion. You take what the Air Force wants to give you. Don’t have that mentality? May be time to choose another path
 
usafacellist2026 said:
The thing with some people, it could possibly throw my career away by taking it. My mother developed Raynaud's Syndrome, joint pain, a 6 month delay in her cycle, and numbness of her extremities after taking the vaccine in December of 2021. So far the research is pointing towards an underlying autoimmune condition she has which caused those side affects. I carry the ANA marker (which is present in those with lupus), as well as my mom. Otherwise, we're both healthy and fit. It would prevent me from pursuing my backup plan if the military doesn't work out, which is music. As a cellist I believe my hands are necessary...

My point being is that many people other than me have reasonable concern for hesitating. Each should be handled on a cases by case basis and not ridiculed or put down. It's kind of like someone saying "COVID isn't that serious" to someone who's family member has been compromised due to the virus. You never know someone's backstory.
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This may be a slightly unpopular opinion, but I believe it is worth stating. Disclaimer: This thread is regarding vaccination requirements for entrance to a service academy. I am responding to that alone. I am not addressing the effectiveness of the shot, the public mandates, ect.

First, it is important to note that you are not even at the start of your career. You are trying to enter a four year evaluation period that will hopefully get you to Day 1 of your career. This is not meant to demean you, I was there once. As someone who has been there, done that, got a bunch of time flying Vipers across several continents plus a trip to the Sandbox, I am trying to give you SA on how the military works.

Here is my opinion, and I am breaking it down into the two main points you have brought up. Your first point is the risk of side effects due to family medical history. First, I am sorry to hear about your mother and I hope she is doing better. That is a difficult position to be in. I understand your concern especially considering your back up career. Here is the first unpopular opinion I will say. The military does not care. It can not afford to care. You are going to have to do your own risk assessment, weigh the potential risk vs. your desire to enter the military, and make an informed decision. The military will not waive requirements when you do not have your foot in the door yet. I have several friends who were kicked out of ROTC for very mild eczema. Would it have impacted their career at all? Not a bit. However for medical issues before commision, it is black and white. Just like the requirement to get the COVID vaccine.

This ties into my second point. You say that each case should be handled on a case by case basis. This is not how the military works. I am not ridiculing your perspective, but the quicker you understand that you are four years away from being a very very small gear in the machine of the Air Force, the more things make sense. One of the wisest IP's at my B-Course sat us down at the squadron bar one day and told us, "We are not special. We are numbers. Expensive numbers, but numbers all the same. We are all replaceable. Never forget that". Once you get in and start having more invested into you, you have slightly more weight to request waivers. You aren't there yet. Additionally, the COVID vaccine will not be one of those waivers due to a simple fact. You need it to deploy and be stationed overseas.

I am a FIRM believer that if you can't deploy, you should not be in the military. This requirement is due to host nation guidance. Many countries will not allow service members in if they are not vaccinated for COVID. As sovereign nations, they have the right to dictate those requirements. Potentially America's greatest strength is our network of overseas bases. If you can not go to these bases, you are now a gear that is slowing down the machine.

This response might have been lengthy, but I hope it provides insight to those who read it. Regardless of individual feelings regarding the vaccine, this is, and will remain to be, a black and white entry requirement.
 
a400831 said:
This may be a slightly unpopular opinion, but I believe it is worth stating. Disclaimer: This thread is regarding vaccination requirements for entrance to a service academy. I am responding to that alone. I am not addressing the effectiveness of the shot, the public mandates, ect.

First, it is important to note that you are not even at the start of your career. You are trying to enter a four year evaluation period that will hopefully get you to Day 1 of your career. This is not meant to demean you, I was there once. As someone who has been there, done that, got a bunch of time flying Vipers across several continents plus a trip to the Sandbox, I am trying to give you SA on how the military works.

Here is my opinion, and I am breaking it down into the two main points you have brought up. Your first point is the risk of side effects due to family medical history. First, I am sorry to hear about your mother and I hope she is doing better. That is a difficult position to be in. I understand your concern especially considering your back up career. Here is the first unpopular opinion I will say. The military does not care. It can not afford to care. You are going to have to do your own risk assessment, weigh the potential risk vs. your desire to enter the military, and make an informed decision. The military will not waive requirements when you do not have your foot in the door yet. I have several friends who were kicked out of ROTC for very mild eczema. Would it have impacted their career at all? Not a bit. However for medical issues before commision, it is black and white. Just like the requirement to get the COVID vaccine.

This ties into my second point. You say that each case should be handled on a case by case basis. This is not how the military works. I am not ridiculing your perspective, but the quicker you understand that you are four years away from being a very very small gear in the machine of the Air Force, the more things make sense. One of the wisest IP's at my B-Course sat us down at the squadron bar one day and told us, "We are not special. We are numbers. Expensive numbers, but numbers all the same. We are all replaceable. Never forget that". Once you get in and start having more invested into you, you have slightly more weight to request waivers. You aren't there yet. Additionally, the COVID vaccine will not be one of those waivers due to a simple fact. You need it to deploy and be stationed overseas.

I am a FIRM believer that if you can't deploy, you should not be in the military. This requirement is due to host nation guidance. Many countries will not allow service members in if they are not vaccinated for COVID. As sovereign nations, they have the right to dictate those requirements. Potentially America's greatest strength is our network of overseas bases. If you can not go to these bases, you are now a gear that is slowing down the machine.

This response might have been lengthy, but I hope it provides insight to those who read it. Regardless of individual feelings regarding the vaccine, this is, and will remain to be, a black and white entry requirement.
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Thank you for the post. You explain very well for those of us w/ DD or DD at the beginning of their military journey. 😎😎
 
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