The U.S. military will no longer require its members to take the flu shot vaccine, War Secretary Pete Hegseth announced.
“Our men and women in uniform were forced to choose between their conscience and their country, even when those decisions posed no threat to our military readiness,” Hegseth said in a video. “That era of betrayal is over. Under President Trump, the War Department continues to take decisive action to once again restore freedom and strength to our joint force. We’re seizing this moment to discard any absurd overreaching mandates that only weaken our warfighting capabilities.”
“We’re seizing this moment to discard any absurd, overreaching mandates that only weaken our warfighting capabilities. In this case, this includes the universal flu vaccine and the mandate behind it,” he added. “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. Our new policy is simple. If you, an American warrior entrusted to defend this nation, believe that the flu vaccine is in your best interest, then you’re free to take it. You should, but we will not force you.”
Hegseth signed a memorandum that provides guidance on the update. “Effective immediately, the annual influenza vaccine is voluntary for all Active and Reserve Component Service members and Department of War civilian personnel,” the memo reads.
Hegseth previously stated that the Pentagon would extend its invitation to reinstate service members who were separated under the Biden administration for refusing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
