U.S. Military Services Seek Exceptions to Voluntary Flu Vaccine Policy
The U.S. military services are requesting exceptions to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s April 2026 policy making the annual flu vaccine voluntary, reversing a mandate since the 1950s. Under Secretary Anthony Tata told a Senate hearing that exceptions are being drafted for submarines, ships, basic training, and Ranger School to maintain readiness. Senator Mazie Hirono raised concerns about increased hospitalizations, especially among recruits. The policy aims to restore trust after backlash over the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, which led to over 8,400 discharges. Final decisions await Hegseth’s review.
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US Military Services Seek Exceptions to New Voluntary Flu Vaccine Policy
The U.S. military services are requesting a 'robust set of exceptions' to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's new policy allowing personnel to opt out of the annual flu vaccine, which had been mandatory since the 1950s. Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Anthony Tata told a Senate hearing that exceptions are being considered for submarines, ships, basic training, and Ranger School. The policy change, announced by Hegseth in April 2026, aims to restore 'warrior ethos' and trust after backlash over the COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Senator Mazie Hirono questioned the decision's impact on readiness, citing the vaccine's role in reducing hospitalizations. A 2025 health report noted higher flu hospitalization rates among recruits (70 per 100,000) compared to the overall military rate (7.4 per 100,000). The exceptions will be reviewed and sent to Hegseth for final approval.
Army TimesMilitary Services Seek Exceptions to New Voluntary Flu Vaccine Policy
The U.S. military services are requesting a 'robust set of exceptions' to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's decision to make the annual flu vaccine voluntary for personnel. Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Anthony Tata informed a Senate committee that exceptions are being drafted for high-risk environments including submarines, ships, basic training, and Ranger School. The policy change, announced by Hegseth in April 2026, ends a requirement in place since the 1950s. Senator Mazie Hirono raised concerns about military readiness, noting the Army originally developed the flu vaccine. Tata defended the change as a move to restore trust and warrior ethos, citing backlash from the COVID-19 vaccine mandate. A 2025 health surveillance report indicated the flu vaccine significantly reduces hospitalization rates, especially among recruits, who have the highest infection rates. The Pentagon will gather service input and send final exception requests to Hegseth for approval.
Marine Corps TimesUS Military Services Seek Exceptions to New Voluntary Flu Vaccine Policy
The U.S. military services are requesting a 'robust set of exceptions' to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's new policy allowing personnel to opt out of the annual flu vaccine, which had been mandatory since the 1950s. Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Anthony Tata told a Senate committee that exceptions are being considered for submarines, ships, basic training, and Ranger School. The policy change, announced by Hegseth in April 2026, aims to restore 'trust and faith' and the 'warrior ethos' following backlash over the COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Senator Mazie Hirono raised concerns about military readiness, noting the flu vaccine was originally developed by the Army to prevent disease spread. A 2025 Defense Department report showed the vaccine significantly reduced hospitalization rates, especially among recruits, who have the highest flu infection rates. The services' exception requests are draft and will be reviewed by Hegseth for final decisions.
Army TimesU.S. Military Services Seek Exceptions to New Voluntary Flu Vaccine Policy
The U.S. military services are requesting a broad set of exceptions to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's decision to make the annual flu vaccine voluntary for personnel, reversing a decades-old requirement. Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Anthony Tata told a Senate hearing that the services have submitted 'a robust set of exception' requests covering submarines, ships, basic training, and Ranger School. The policy change, announced in April 2026, aims to restore trust and the 'warrior ethos' after backlash over the COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Senator Mazie Hirono raised concerns about military readiness, noting the flu vaccine has been required since the 1950s and has significantly reduced hospitalization rates, especially among recruits. Tata said the exceptions are draft and will be reviewed by Hegseth. The decision follows the 2023 repeal of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, which led to over 8,400 service members being discharged for refusal.
Air Force TimesUS Military Services Seek Exceptions to New Voluntary Flu Vaccine Policy
The U.S. military services are requesting a 'robust set of exceptions' to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's new policy allowing personnel to opt out of the annual flu vaccine, which had been mandatory since the 1950s. Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Anthony Tata told a Senate committee that exceptions are being considered for submarines, ships, basic training, and Ranger School. The policy change, announced in April 2026, aims to restore trust and warrior ethos after backlash over the COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Senator Mazie Hirono questioned the decision's impact on readiness, citing the vaccine's historical role in preventing disease spread. A 2025 health report showed the flu vaccine significantly reduced hospitalizations, especially among recruits. The Pentagon will gather service input and send recommendations to Hegseth for final decisions.
Army Times