US military drops flu vaccine mandate

The decision has caught some members of Congress off guard, with Republican Roger Wicker labeling the move a 'mistake.' Hegseth argued that the broad mandate was an overreach and that service members should have the right to make their own health decisions.

This change follows a previous rollback of the COVID-19 vaccine requirement for active and reserve troops.

Public health experts have expressed concern that the move could compromise the readiness of the military during peak flu seasons.