Pentagon Ends Flu Vaccine Mandate

In a significant policy shift, the Pentagon has ended its longstanding requirement for all active and reserve troops to receive the influenza vaccine.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the mandate as 'overreaching' and framed the change as a restoration of religious freedom and personal choice.

While the vaccine will remain available on an optional basis, the move has caught some members of Congress and public health experts by surprise.

Critics warn that the decision could impact force readiness during peak flu seasons.