The following information is fromChildren’s Health Defense.
The US military hasended its flu vaccine mandatefor active-duty and reserve service members, as well as civilian personnel,effective immediately.
The policy change was announced in a Dept. of Defense memorandum, withSecretary of War Pete Hegsethsaying the decision reflects a shift away from broad requirements.
“We’re seizing this moment to discard any absurd, overreaching mandates.”— Pete Hegseth
Hegseth said service members remain free to take the flu vaccine but will no longer be required to do so.
“The notion that a flu vaccine must be mandatory … is overly broad and not rational.”— Pete Hegseth
The military has required annual flu shots for decades, withmandates dating back to at least 1945.
The Dept. of Defense had already begun loosening the policy in 2025, ending therequirement for reservistsunless they were called to extended active duty.
Pam Long, director ofChildren’s Health Defense’s Military Chapter, called the latest move a “major victory for individual liberty,” noting that service members had continued to face consequences for refusing the vaccine until recently.
“Service members were still being punished for refusal … up until this week.”— Pam Long
Source: Sharyl Attkisson
