Flu vaccine no longer mandatory for soldiers, says US military chief
Summary
The U.S. military will no longer require all soldiers to get the flu vaccine, following a decision by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. This change supports personal choice and religious freedom, but military branches can still ask to keep the requirement for a short time.Key Facts
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the flu vaccine is no longer mandatory for all U.S. military members.
- The decision is based on medical autonomy (personal control over medical decisions) and religious freedom.
- Military services have 15 days to request keeping the flu vaccine mandate if they choose.
- This policy change is part of President Donald Trump’s wider effort to reduce vaccine mandates in the federal government.
- Public health experts recommend flu vaccines for almost everyone aged six months and older.
- The U.S. experienced a severe flu season before this decision.
- More than 8,400 military personnel were dismissed in 2021 for not following the COVID-19 vaccine requirement.
- The Trump administration also reduced vaccine recommendations for children, a change currently challenged in court.
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