Pete Hegseth scraps mandatory flu shots for U.S. service members

Key Points:

• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the Department of Defense will no longer mandate annual flu vaccinations for U.S. service members, making the flu shot voluntary for all active and reserve personnel as well as DoD civilians.
• Hegseth stated that mandatory flu vaccinations are "overly broad and not rational," framing the policy change as part of an effort to restore freedom and strengthen the military's war-fighting capabilities.
• The policy shift follows a May 2025 memo that limited flu shot requirements to reservists activated for at least 30 days and stopped compensating reservists or National Guard members for time spent getting vaccinated independently.
• The Navy and Marine Corps Force Health Protection Command continues to emphasize the importance of flu vaccinations to reduce severe illness and maintain mission readiness, warning that flu outbreaks can significantly impact force effectiveness.
• The change comes after the Pentagon rescinded its COVID-19 vaccine mandate in 2023, which had led to thousands of service members leaving the military, and President Trump later allowed reinstatement for those discharged over vaccine refusal.