Flu vaccine requirement discarded ‘effective immediately,’ Hegseth says
Military Times • • nation
Key Points:
- The U.S. military has ended the mandatory annual flu vaccine requirement for service members, effective immediately, as announced by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
- The flu vaccine has been required since the 1950s to protect military personnel, with a goal of inoculating over 90% of active-duty members, significantly reducing hospitalization rates compared to the general U.S. population.
- Despite the vaccine's historical effectiveness, this year's flu shot was only 25% to 30% effective in preventing doctor visits among adults, below the typical 40% to 60% effectiveness range.
- The decision follows a trend of relaxed vaccine mandates, including the Pentagon's earlier removal of the COVID-19 vaccine requirement after Congressional legislation and service member resistance.
- Hegseth characterized the flu vaccine mandate as "overly broad and not rational," emphasizing a shift toward restoring individual freedom within the military.
