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Flu outbreak among Air Force recruits at Joint Base San Antonio after Hegseth ends mandatory flu vaccine
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Key Points:
- The Air Force basic training facility in San Antonio, Texas, is experiencing a flu outbreak with at least 159 cases and two hospitalizations reported since the flu vaccine mandate was lifted in April.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ended the mandatory flu vaccination for all military personnel, making it optional, which has led to a drop in vaccination rates among recruits from nearly 100% to about 40%.
- The Pentagon has granted exceptions allowing certain military branches and agencies to require flu vaccines based on risk assessments to maintain operational readiness and protect vulnerable populations.
- Medical staff at Joint Base San Antonio are treating symptomatic trainees with antiviral medications and have implemented measures to isolate and monitor those exposed to reduce further spread.
- Public health experts warn that young recruits are particularly vulnerable to severe flu infections, and the end of the vaccine mandate may lead to more complications and hospitalizations in future flu seasons.
