Military services again requiring recruits to get flu shots amid Air Force outbreak
Summary
The military is again requiring flu shots for new recruits after a flu outbreak at the Air Force training base in San Antonio. The outbreak has grown, with more recruits diagnosed and some hospitalized, leading the Air Force and other branches to reverse the recent decision to make flu vaccinations optional.Key Facts
- At least 222 recruits at Lackland Air Force Base have the flu, with four hospitalized.
- The death of one recruit is being investigated to see if it relates to the outbreak.
- In April, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made flu shots optional for military personnel.
- Despite this, the Army, Navy, and Air Force now require flu shots for basic trainees again.
- Only about 40% of new Air Force trainees had been vaccinated before the requirement returned.
- The Air Force aims to vaccinate all current and future new recruits at the base.
- The Army plans to extend flu shot requirements to troops deploying overseas and other groups.
- Basic training conditions, such as close living quarters and physical stress, help the flu spread quickly.
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