Pentagon Drops Flu Vaccine Requirement For U.S. Military

WEDNESDAY, April 22, 2026 (HealthDay News) — Flu shots will no longer be required for every U.S. service member.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Tuesday that troops can now choose whether to get the flu vaccine, rather than being required to receive it each year, The Associated Press reported.

In a video posted on social media, Hegseth said "the notion that a flu vaccine must be mandatory for every service member, everywhere, in every circumstance at all times is just overly broad and not rational."

He added that troops should have the freedom to make their own decisions "because your body, your faith and your convictions are not negotiable."