The Pentagon has relaxed its long-standing policy requiring all troops to receive the flu vaccine every year. A new memo introduces exemptions for reservists and clarifies that the vaccine will be required only under certain circumstances, according to a document obtained by The Associated Press.
Details of the memo
The memo, signed by Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg on May 29, states that reservists will now be required to get a flu shot only if they serve on active duty for 30 days or more. Additionally, the military will no longer cover the cost of vaccinations for reservists or National Guard members who seek the flu shot on their own.
Uncertainty in implementation
Although the document emphasizes conserving resources by requiring flu vaccinations only when they directly support military readiness, it also maintains the annual flu shot requirement for active-duty personnel. The apparent contradiction has left some confusion about how the policy will be applied.
Public attention and reactions
While the memo was issued quietly, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth brought attention to it this week by reposting a social media comment from a National Guard member claiming they would not be forced to get the flu shot this fall. Pentagon officials have not clarified the conflicting aspects of the policy or commented on Hegseth’s post.
Wider vaccination debates
The shift comes amid broader debates on vaccine mandates within the military. The Trump administration previously reinstated service members who were discharged under the Biden administration for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine and offered them back pay. However, the effort to encourage reenlistment saw limited results, with only a small number of former troops returning to service.
Looking ahead
The Pentagon has not publicly announced the flu shot policy change. Questions remain about how the exemptions will affect overall troop readiness and whether additional updates to vaccination rules could follow in the coming months.
