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Pentagon Ends Mandatory Flu Vaccine for Service Members

4/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Department of Defense has ended the mandatory flu vaccine for service members, according to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
Hegseth described the change as restoring medical autonomy and said previous mandates were overreaching.
Service members should consider the flu vaccine, but it will no longer be compulsory.
The 1918 influenza pandemic significantly affected U.S. combat effectiveness, underscoring why vaccines have been emphasized.

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Story summary

The Department of Defense has ended the mandatory flu vaccine for service members, according to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
Hegseth described the change as restoring medical autonomy and said previous mandates were overreaching.
Service members should consider the flu vaccine, but it will no longer be compulsory.
The 1918 influenza pandemic significantly affected U.S. combat effectiveness, underscoring why vaccines have been emphasized.