Nearly 40 percent of Marines declining to get COVID vaccine, report

Nearly 40% of Marines are declining to get a COVID vaccine, according to a news report.

The finding was reported Friday by CNN, which it said is based on data the military service provided to the cable TV and digital news organization.

CNN also said the Marine Corps is first military branch to disclose service-wide numbers on acceptance and declination for the vaccination.

As of Thursday, about 75,500 Marines had received vaccines, including fully vaccinated and partially vaccinated service men and women. About 48,000 Marines have chosen not to receive vaccines, for a declination rate of 38.9%.

The corresponding acceptance rate for vaccinations among Marines – 61.1% – is near the military's estimation of two-thirds, or roughly 66%, CNN also reported.