Flu outbreak among Air Force recruits at Joint Base San Antonio after Hegseth ends mandatory flu vaccine

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Flu Outbreak Hits Air Force Recruits at Joint Base San Antonio

   At least 159 Air Force recruits at Joint Base San Antonio have contracted influenza. Two recruits required hospitalization. The outbreak follows a policy change by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth making the annual flu vaccine optional.

   What's confirmed:

   • At least 159 Air Force recruits at Joint Base San Antonio are sick with influenza.
   • Two recruits have been hospitalized.
   • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made the annual flu vaccine optional.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • Pete Hegseth called the vaccine requirement an "absurd, overreaching" mandate.
   • The vaccine requirement was lifted in April.
   confidence 90%
2. 1d ago

   Flu Outbreak Hits Air Force Recruits at Joint Base San Antonio

   A localized influenza outbreak has sickened at least 159 Air Force recruits at Joint Base San Antonio. Two recruits have been hospitalized. The outbreak follows a decision by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to make the annual flu vaccine optional.

   What's confirmed:

   • At least 159 Air Force recruits at Joint Base San Antonio have contracted the flu.
   • Two recruits have been hospitalized due to the outbreak.
   • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced in April that the annual flu vaccine is optional for active and reserve military personnel.
   • An Air Force spokesperson described the situation as a localized influenza outbreak at Lackland Air Force Base.
   • The outbreak occurred weeks after the mandatory vaccine requirement was dropped.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • The number of flu cases and hospitalizations may be higher than reported.
   confidence 95%