Story perspectives

Military Reinstates Mandatory Flu Shots After 222-Case Outbreak

6/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Army, Navy and Air Force reinstated mandatory flu vaccinations for basic trainees after an outbreak at Lackland.
The outbreak at Joint Base San Antonio, linked to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s optional flu-shot policy, produced 222 cases and one death.
Only about 40 % of new trainees were vaccinated, down from nearly 100 % before the policy change.
Rep. Joaquin Castro condemned the decision as reckless, saying it endangers troops and readiness.

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Story summary

The Army, Navy and Air Force reinstated mandatory flu vaccinations for basic trainees after an outbreak at Lackland.
The outbreak at Joint Base San Antonio, linked to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s optional flu-shot policy, produced 222 cases and one death.
Only about 40 % of new trainees were vaccinated, down from nearly 100 % before the policy change.
Rep. Joaquin Castro condemned the decision as reckless, saying it endangers troops and readiness.