AR 600, PARAGRAPH 5.4 (Involuntary Vaccinations)
a. Necessary medical care. A soldier on active duty or active duty for training will
usually be required to submit to medical care considered necessary to preserve his or her
life, alleviate undue suffering, or protect or maintain the health of others. Commanders
may order the examination of any soldier in their command when warranted. The medical
treatment facility commander will determine if hospitalization of the soldier is
appropriate.
b. Medical care with or without soldier's permission.
(1) Emergency medical care required to save the life or health of the soldier may be
performed. This is determined by the attending physician. If the soldier should refuse
treatment required, and the unit commander is not available, the hospital commander may
order the treatment given.
(2) Immunizations required by AR 40-562 or other legal directive(subject to any limitation
stated in these directives) may be given.
(a)The policy of authorizing forcible immunization is intended to protect the health and
overall effectiveness of the command as well as the health of the soldier. Soldiers do not
have an option as to whether they will be immunized except as prescribed in AR 40-562,
paragraph 1,13, and paragraph 5-6 of this regulation.
(b) In performing this duty, medical personnel are expected to use only the amount of
force needed to give the immunization. Any force necessary to overcome a soldier's
reluctance to immunization will normally be provided by personnel acting under orders from
the soldier's unit commander. Every reasonable effort should be made to avoid the need for
disciplinary action. However, soldiers should be advised that they will be inoculated with
or without their consent. Before any mandatory immunization, an explanation should be
given concerning the necessity for submitting to the required inoculation.