Hegseth ends mandatory flu vaccine for service members

Hegseth ends mandatory flu vaccine for service members

The Hill April 21, 2026

The Pentagon is ending mandatory flu vaccines for service members, phrasing the change as giving troops “medical autonomy” and “freedom to express their religious convictions,” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Tuesday. “Our new policy is simple. If you, an American warrior entrusted to defend this nation, believe that the flu vaccine is in your best…