Approximately 160 troops at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas have reportedly fallen ill with the flu following Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s decision to rescind the flu vaccine mandate in April, according to various news sources.
As of Wednesday, the flu outbreak in San Antonio has resulted in the hospitalization of two recruits, ABC News reported, citing two sources with knowledge of the situation. Another source suggested that the number of cases and hospitalizations might be higher.
Officials stated in a Wednesday release that the death of a trainee at the base last week, following a medical emergency, is still under investigation.
Individuals displaying flu symptoms are being isolated and treated, while those who have had close contact with the infected are under observation, an Air Force spokesperson informed ABC News.
In April, Hegseth made the flu vaccination optional for all U.S. military personnel, both active and reserve, aiming to “restore freedom and strength to our joint force,” he stated at the time.
Following this policy change, only about 40% of Air Force trainees have chosen to receive the vaccine, The New York Times reported, citing an Air Force official.
In response to the current outbreak, all recruits at Lackland are now required to receive the flu shot, according to the Times.
Air Force representatives were unavailable for immediate comment on Friday.
