Pentagon restores mandatory flu shots for all recruits as boot camp outbreak sickens nearly 300 (opens original article in a new tab)

The Pentagon has restored mandatory flu vaccinations for all military recruits after a significant outbreak at a U.S. Air Force boot camp, reversing a previous policy that made the shot optional. The decision comes as the military evaluates exceptions for certain groups to require vaccinations.

• Pentagon reinstates mandatory flu shots for all military recruits after a flu outbreak at Lackland Air Force Base sickened nearly 300 people
• The decision follows Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's earlier removal of the mandate in April, which allowed exceptions for military services
• Flu outbreaks in group settings like military bases are common, with experts emphasizing the importance of vaccination in such environments
• Army and Navy seek to make flu shots mandatory for specific groups including overseas troops and healthcare workers