A flu outbreak at the Air Force's basic training hub in San Antonio is worsening, with 275 cumulative cases reported as of Wednesday. The outbreak has led to four hospitalizations and is under investigation for a possible connection to the death of a recruit.
The services have been given exceptions to the policy change made by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in April, which made the annual flu shot optional for troops. As a result, the Army, Navy, and Air Force are once again requiring flu shots for basic trainees.
The Air Force aims to vaccinate all recruits in the current class and will vaccinate all new recruits arriving at the base. The Army is also preparing to broaden the requirement to troops deploying overseas and other high-risk groups.
