How the concept of ‘medical freedom’ is reshaping the military’s decades-long stance on the flu vaccine mandate − and endangering troops’ readiness

The US military helped create the first flu vaccine to keep service members in action – and the logic for requiring vaccination has not changed.

By: Katrine L. Wallace, University of Illinois Chicago, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: April 28, 2026

Words: 1,124

Last Updated: 3 months ago

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By Katrine L. Wallace, University of Illinois Chicago

For the first time in almost 80 years, U.S. service members will no longer be mandated to receive the annual influenza vaccine.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the change on April 22, 2026. Citing medical autonomy and religious freedom, he described the requirement as “overly broad and not rational,” telling troops that “your body, your faith and your convictions are not negotiable.”

The flu shot requirement …

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