DOD is giving civilian employees until Nov. 22 to be fully vaccinated from the coronavirus, it announced Monday.

“Vaccinating DOD civilian employees against COVID-19 will save lives and allow for the defense of our nation,” Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks wrote in a memo. “Thank you for your focus on this critical mission.”

President Joe Biden had announced last month that all federal employees and contractors will be required to get the shots.

To be considered fully vaccinated, an employee must wait two weeks after receiving the second shot of a two-shot vaccination or the single shot if taking the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alan Ricker