WASHINGTON — The Pentagon has authorized all U.S. military services to reinstate mandatory flu vaccinations for recruits following a flu outbreak at a major Air Force training base in Texas.
The decision, confirmed Wednesday by Pentagon officials, grants exceptions to a broader policy made voluntary in April by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. It applies to basic training programs across the Army, Navy and Air Force.
The move comes as Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, home to the Air Force's Basic Military Training, has experienced a localized influenza outbreak. Reports indicate more than 200 recruits have been affected in recent weeks.
Hegseth announced in April that the annual flu vaccine would no longer be required for service members, citing medical autonomy. The policy had been in place for decades to maintain force readiness.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated Wednesday that exceptions were approved for the services and certain agencies, including the Defense Health Agency, following requests from the branches.
A Pentagon official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told reporters the reinstatement for recruits was not directly tied to the Lackland outbreak, though the timing has drawn attention. Details on implementation timelines and exact coverage requirements remain unclear.
The outbreak at Lackland has sickened recruits in close-quarters training environments. One unvaccinated trainee reportedly died after testing positive for influenza and developing pneumonia, according to officials and congressional sources.
Public health experts and some lawmakers have criticized the earlier decision to make the vaccine optional, warning it could undermine readiness in dense military settings.
Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement that the exceptions allow services to safeguard at-risk populations during training.
The policy shift affects new recruits entering boot camps. Existing service members generally retain the option under the April guidance, though some units or commands may have additional requirements.
As of Wednesday, military officials had not released comprehensive updated figures on the full scope of the Lackland outbreak or vaccination rates among trainees. The Air Force has described it as a localized issue.
The reinstatement marks the first major adjustment to the voluntary flu policy since its announcement two months ago. No further changes to the policy for non-recruit personnel have been announced.
