Tracking troop vaccinations Overall for the entire armed forces, the effective inoculation rate is around 28%. The Navy Surgeon General says for his branch, participation is at around 50%. Author: Mike Gooding Updated: 11:22 PM EDT April 20, 2021 WASHINGTON — Currently, troops are not mandated to take the COVID-19 vaccine because it is being administered under emergency approval from the Food and Drug Administration. Only fully approved vaccines can be required of service members. "The vaccine is voluntary and we're using every avenue possible to provide information," said Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Dr. Terry Adirim, testifying Tuesday before the Senate Appropriations Committee.