Military Enforces Flu Vaccine Mandate Amid Base Outbreak

WHO:

CBS News - All military branches are involved in the flu vaccine mandate.

Ars Technica - Pete Hegseth is mentioned as a decision-maker regarding the military's vaccine policy.

WHAT:

CBS News - Military branches began requiring recruits to get flu vaccines.

Ars Technica - The flu shot requirement was restored after a virus outbreak swept through a base.

WHERE:

CBS News - The outbreak occurred at an unspecified Air Force base.

WHEN:

CBS News - The flu vaccine requirement for recruits began earlier this month.

WHY:

CBS News - The requirement is an exception to Pete Hegseth's decision to lift the military's vaccine mandate.

HOW:

Ars Technica - Military branches received exceptions to Hegseth's policy that made the flu shot optional.

(UPDATED June 25, 2026 04:20 UTC)

All military branches are now requiring recruits to receive flu vaccines, a policy reinstated after a virus outbreak at an unspecified Air Force base. This requirement marks an exception to the decision made by Pete Hegseth to lift the military's broader vaccine mandate, which had previously made the flu shot optional. The flu vaccine mandate for recruits officially began earlier this month, highlighting the military's response to health concerns within its ranks.