Defense Secretary Austin urges department personnel to consult with physician about taking vaccine

"And if you believe, as I did, that it’s the right thing for you, I hope that you’ll consider accepting it when it’s offered to you," Austin said.

By Alex Nitzberg

Published: February 24, 2021 4:45pm

Updated: February 24, 2021 5:16pm

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in a video to department workers urged people to consult with their doctor about whether they should get a COVID-19 vaccine.

During the video Austin said that he has already taken a vaccine.

"Of course I'll also still practice social distancing and I'll still wear a mask while I'm here in the Pentagon and everywhere else I go. So we'll need your support in that regard," Austin said. "But I encourage you to have that discussion with your primary care physician about taking the vaccine. And if you believe, as I did, that it’s the right thing for you, I hope that you’ll consider accepting it when it’s offered to you."