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Pentagon Ends Mandatory Flu Shots for U.S. Troops. The Pentagon has officially dropped its requirement for flu vaccinations among military personnel, marking another shift in federal vaccine policy. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the move is aimed at removing what he described as overly broad mandates that could impact military readiness. Under the new policy, service members will still be allowed to receive the flu vaccine—but it will no longer be mandatory. The decision affects roughly 1.3 million active-duty troops, along with hundreds of thousands in the National Guard and Reserve. It follows earlier changes, including the rollback of COVID-19 vaccine requirements, and reflects a broader effort by the administration of Donald Trump to scale back federal vaccine policies. Health authorities like the World Health Organization continue to recommend flu vaccinations for most people, highlighting an ongoing divide between public health guidance and government policy decisions. Officials say the new approach prioritizes personal choice, while critics warn it could raise concerns about force readiness and disease prevention within the ranks.
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