Key facts
- Over 160 troops at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas have contracted influenza.
- The outbreak follows Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's decision to end mandatory flu vaccinations for service members.
- The Air Force is implementing mitigation measures, including antiviral medications, to manage the outbreak.
- A trainee's death at the base is under investigation.
- The 37th Training Wing is coordinating with the 59th Medical Wing to manage the situation.
More than 160 troops have contracted influenza at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas in recent weeks, following Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s decision earlier this year to end mandatory flu vaccines for service members. The Air Force confirmed the outbreak among trainees at Basic Military Training, with the 37th Training Wing coordinating with the 59th Medical Wing to manage the situation. Mitigation measures, including isolation and treatment with antiviral medications like Tamiflu, have been implemented. Secretary Hegseth characterized the previous flu shot mandate as an "absurd, overreaching mandate that only weakens our warfighting capabilities," stating the new policy grants troops "medical autonomy" and "freedom to express their religious convictions." However, the decision has drawn criticism from lawmakers.