Pete Hegseth says the U.S. military will no longer require flu shots
NBC News • • nation
Key Points:
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the U.S. military will no longer mandate flu vaccines for all service members, emphasizing respect for medical autonomy and religious freedom.
- While the flu vaccine is no longer compulsory, military branches can request to maintain the requirement within 15 days, according to the new policy memo.
- This decision follows the contentious COVID-19 vaccine mandates, which led to thousands of troops seeking exemptions or being separated, with many now reinstated under a policy allowing return with back pay.
- The change comes after a severe flu season and amid broader efforts by the Trump administration to reduce blanket vaccine recommendations, including for children.
- Previously, the military required several vaccines, including flu, polio, and measles, with exemptions possible but involving counseling and approval processes to assess deployment impact.
