The Pentagon has announced that all military boot camps will once again require flu vaccinations for recruits, reversing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's April decision to make the shot optional. The move comes as a flu outbreak at the U.S. Air Force's boot camp at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, has sickened nearly 300 people.
Pentagon official confirms mandate reinstatement
A Pentagon official confirmed the development to the Associated Press on Wednesday, speaking on condition of anonymity. The official maintained that the permission to mandate vaccinations was unrelated to the outbreak, which has lasted roughly three weeks. When Hegseth repealed the flu vaccine mandate in April, citing medical autonomy and religious freedom, he allowed military services to request exceptions within 15 days.
The official explained that decisions on those exceptions were being finalized in early June, and the timing with the Lackland outbreak was coincidental. Only 40% of new trainees at Lackland opted for the shot once it became optional, according to a source familiar with the situation.
Outbreak details and impact
The base processes approximately 700 new recruits each week. The close-quarters environment, characterized by high stress, low sleep, and communal living, is conducive to disease spread. Democratic Congressman Joaquin Castro reported 275 confirmed flu cases at Lackland in a social media post. His district includes part of the base.
Flu expert Arnold Monto, emeritus professor at the University of Michigan, said the outbreak is "not unusually concerning" but emphasized that vaccination is especially necessary in group settings to prevent outbreaks.
Pentagon spokesman confirms exceptions
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed that exceptions were granted to the Army, Navy, Air Force, National Security Agency, and Defense Health Agency, but declined further details. Army and Navy officials have also requested permission to mandate the shot for certain groups.
Advocacy group praises decision
Families Fighting Flu, an advocacy organization, applauded the change. Executive Director Michele Slafkosky stated, "For decades, the military prioritized the health and safety of troops and the public by requiring flu vaccine for recruits. It's unfortunate that more than 200 individuals at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas became ill when that requirement was rescinded. This updated guidance from the military will save lives."
