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3h ago

House Democrats Seek Military-Wide Flu Vaccine Requirement After Lackland Outbreak

They argue a statutory mandate would restore science-based force protection after the Pentagon made the seasonal shot voluntary.

In recent weeks, a flu outbreak has sickened hundreds of recruits at Lackland Air Force Base. Above, a flight of newly arrived recruits receive instructions from Technical Sgt. Kaleb Schmidt on Dec. 16, 2025.
Two members of Congress are proposing an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that would require all U.S. service members to receive influenza vaccinations following the recent flu outbreak at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Joe Gangemi)
Two members of Congress are proposing an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that would require all U.S. service members to receive influenza vaccinations following the recent flu outbreak at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. (PHOTO: Getty Images)
Two members of Congress are proposing an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that would require all U.S. service members to receive influenza vaccinations following the recent flu outbreak at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. (PHOTO: Getty Images)

Overview

  • The amendment, introduced Tuesday, June 30, 2026, by Reps. Joaquin Castro and Chrissy Houlahan would require all U.S. service members to receive the seasonal influenza vaccine through the National Defense Authorization Act.
  • The Air Force confirmed an outbreak at the 37th Training Wing at Joint Base San Antonio–Lackland that has sickened roughly 275–284 trainees, caused multiple hospitalizations, and involved the June 16 death of a trainee now under medical review.
  • The outbreak followed April guidance from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that made the annual flu shot voluntary for most personnel, after which the Pentagon granted exceptions letting the Army, Navy and Air Force require vaccines for recruits and other high-risk groups.
  • Sponsors say the amendment would keep public-health policy guided by science and prevent political decisions from affecting troop health, while Republican leaders have so far opposed bringing the measure to the floor for consideration.
  • The U.S. military has required seasonal flu vaccination since 1945, and enacting the amendment would shift flu policy from case-by-case service exceptions to a statutory rule that could change how basic training units protect readiness for tens of thousands of recruits each year.