US EditionAnnual flu vaccine no longer required for U.S. military, Hegseth says
The policy follows earlier COVID-19 vaccine changes and affects troops who were previously discharged, with about 8,200 service members removed under the prior mandate, AP reported.
- Secretary Hegseth signed a memorandum, effective immediately, stating that the annual influenza vaccine is now voluntary for all active duty and reserve component service members, as well as Department of War civilian personnel.
- In a video announcement, Hegseth labeled the previous universal requirement "overly broad and not rational," arguing that service members should be trusted to decide if the vaccine is in their own best interest without the threat of involuntary discharge.
- While Hegseth framed the move as restoring "freedom and strength," some public health experts warned the shift could lead to more missed duty days and preventable hospitalization costs, essentially transforming a "force-protection tool" into a matter of personal convenience.
- The move follows the administration’s broader effort to distance the military from "overreaching" health mandates, frequently referencing the 8,000+ troops who were discharged during the Biden administration for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine.
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Hegseth says flu vaccine now optional for military
FILE - A U.S. Army soldier from the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, prepares Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines to inoculate people at the Miami Dade College North Campus on March 09, 2021 in North Miami, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Tuesday on social media that the War Department would no longer be requiring members of the military to get the flu vaccine. The Department of War, fo…
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