The Pentagon will no longer require members of the US military to be vaccinated against the flu, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Tuesday.
“We are taking this moment to eliminate any absurd and excessive requirements that only weaken our combat capabilities. In this particular case, this includes the universal flu vaccine and the accompanying obligation,” Hegseth stated in a video posted on X.
“The idea that a flu vaccine must be mandatory for every service member, everywhere, under all circumstances and at all times, is simply too broad and not rational.”
This decision removes a public health requirement at a time when the Trump administration has been largely committed to reducing federal vaccination recommendations, including for children.
The military had already revoked the COVID-19 vaccination requirement in 2023, after former President Joe Biden ordered members of the US armed forces to get vaccinated in 2021, despite Republican opposition. Thousands of military personnel were discharged for refusing the injection.
There are around 1.3 million active-duty military personnel, in addition to over 750,000 National Guard and Reserve members.
The World Health Organization recommends the flu vaccine for individuals aged 6 months and older.
Vaccine manufacturers Sanofi, CSL Seqirus, GSK, and AstraZeneca could not be immediately reached for comment.
Hegseth clarified that under the new policy, those who wish to be vaccinated will remain free to do so, while adding: “We will not force you to do so.”
