Hegseth Scraps Military Flu Mandate

In a significant departure from nearly 250 years of military tradition, the Department of War has ended its mandatory influenza immunization program.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the mandate as 'absurd' and 'overreaching,' arguing that soldiers should have the right to make their own medical decisions.

While the vaccine will remain available on an optional basis, the move has drawn sharp criticism from some Republican lawmakers who warn it could compromise force readiness.

The decision follows a broader administration push to scale back vaccine requirements across federal agencies.