US Edition
Annual flu vaccine no longer required for U.S. military, Hegseth says
The memo ends a requirement that had applied to active-duty, reserve and civilian personnel, with services allowed to seek exceptions for 15 days.
- 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.
34 Articles
34 Articles
Pete Hegseth says the U.S. military will no longer require flu shots
WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Tuesday that the U.S. military will no longer require all American troops to get the flu vaccine, citing “medical autonomy” and religious freedom.“The notion that a flu vaccine must be mandatory for every service member, everywhere, in every circumstance at all times is just overly broad and not rational,” Hegseth said in a video posted on social media
Associated Press News
Flu vaccine no longer mandated for US troops, Hegseth says
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says the U.S. military will no longer mandate the flu vaccine for American troops. He cited “medical autonomy” and religious freedom.
Hegseth ends mandatory flu vaccine for service members
The Pentagon is ending mandatory flu vaccines for service members, phrasing the change as giving troops “medical autonomy” and “freedom to express their religious convictions,” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Tuesday. “Our new policy is simple. If you, an American warrior entrusted to…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 49% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
