Flu outbreak among Air Force recruits at Joint Base San Antonio
Summary
There is a flu outbreak among Air Force recruits at Joint Base San Antonio, with at least 159 cases and two hospitalizations reported. The outbreak started after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ended the mandatory flu vaccine policy for military personnel in April 2026.Key Facts
- At least 159 Air Force recruits at Joint Base San Antonio have the flu.
- Two recruits with the flu have been hospitalized.
- The flu vaccine became optional for all U.S. military personnel in April 2026.
- Before the change, the flu vaccine was mandatory for service members.
- About 40% of recruits at the base chose to get the flu vaccine after the mandate ended; before, it was 100%.
- Military medical staff are isolating and treating sick trainees to prevent more cases.
- Antiviral medicine like Tamiflu is being used to treat sick recruits.
- Exceptions to the vaccine policy can still be made by military branches based on risk assessments.
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