The US army stated on Tuesday that American army officers who refuse to be vaccinated against COVID-19 could be suspended from their duties and possibly discharged, Reuters news agency reported on Wednesday.

Following the full approval of the Pfizer (NYSE:PFE)/BioNTech (Nasdaq:BNTX) COVID-19 vaccine by the US FDA in August 2021, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin had ordered that all active duty service members must get vaccinated.

According to the US Army, it had begun implementing this order in late August, adding that soldiers could request an exemption on legitimate medical, religious or administrative grounds.

The Army stated that commanders, command sergeants major, first sergeants and officers in Command Select List positions who refuse to be vaccinated and are not pending an exemption request would face suspension and relief if they refuse to comply.

"While soldiers who refuse the vaccine will first be counselled by their chain of command and medical providers, continued failure to comply could result in administrative or non-judicial punishment - to include relief of duties or discharge," the Army said.

The Army now expects its active duty units to be fully vaccinated by 15 December 2021 and its Reserve and National Guard units by 30 June 2022.