About 40 percent of U.S. Marines have declined to take a COVID-19 vaccine, according to Pentagon officials. Some 75,500 Marines are fully vaccinated or received one dose, and around 48,000 Marines have declined the shot, said Communication Strategy and Operations Officer Capt. Andrew Woods to several news outlets over the weekend. “We fully understand that widespread acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine provides us with the best means to defeat this pandemic. The key to addressing this pandemic is building vaccine confidence,” said Woods, according to USA Today. The Epoch Times has contacted the Marine Corps for comment. “The Navy and Marine Corps are providing substantial educational information broadly, and working with commands to ensure Marines, Sailors, and beneficiaries have accurate information regarding the safety and efficacy of the vaccines to encourage individuals to get immunized,” Woods told The Hill in a statement. Woods noted that Marines are typically healthy and young, noting there …