The U.S. military has reinstated flu shot requirements for recruits after a flu outbreak at a Texas Air Force base sickened 222 trainees and hospitalized four.
The outbreak occurred at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, where officials said only about 40 percent of recruits had been vaccinated when cases began rising in early June. One recruit died after a medical emergency, though investigators have not determined whether the death was linked to the outbreak.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ended the military’s flu vaccine mandate in April, making annual shots optional for active-duty and reserve personnel. The Army, Navy and Air Force have since received exemptions allowing them to require vaccinations for basic trainees.
Air Force officials said they now plan to vaccinate all current recruits and incoming trainees at the Texas installation. The Army is also preparing to require flu shots for some deploying troops, first responders, health care workers and personnel involved in large-scale exercises.
Rep. Joaquin Castro, whose district includes part of San Antonio, criticized the earlier policy change. He called it “a reckless decision that put troops in harm’s way and undermined our military readiness.”
Why Air Force Flu Shot Reinstatement Sparked Strong Reactions
The military’s decision to restore flu shot requirements for recruits prompted widespread discussion online, with many arguing the outbreak was predictable.
One user wrote, “this administration is hellbent on re-learning history’s hardest lessons.” Another response stated, “Safety regulations are written in blood. These people are bloodthirsty.”
Others pointed to the outbreak’s impact on trainees. One commenter argued, “222 sick, 4 in the hospital, and possibly one dead. That is what all this nonsense conservatives push leads to.” A separate response added, “The people who benefit the most from herd immunity are the most vulnerable too.”
Not everyone framed the issue around policy decisions. One reply stated, “It’s consistent when you realize they’re extremely stupid.” Another wrote, “Beer and cigarettes good , vaccine bad.”
Questions remain over whether the Pentagon will expand the renewed vaccine requirement beyond recruits as officials continue investigating the outbreak.
