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June 18, 2026
Flu Outbreak Infections Rise to Nearly 160 at Lackland Air Force Base After Vaccine Mandate Lifted
- Nearly 160 trainees at Lackland Air Force Base have contracted the flu since the vaccine mandate was lifted by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
- In response to the outbreak, the Air Force has temporarily reinstated the flu vaccine requirement for recruits.
- The 37th Training Wing is employing measures to manage the outbreak, including antiviral treatments and monitoring exposed trainees.
3 Sources
- Scores Fall Ill at Air Force Base After Hegseth Makes Flu Vaccine OptionalJun 18, 2026 at 6:15 PM · NYT
- Air Force unit in Texas faces flu outbreak weeks after vaccine requirement droppedJun 18, 2026 at 9:54 PM · CBS News
- Texas Air Force base hit with flu outbreak infecting nearly 160 troops after Hegseth lifts vaccine requirement: reportJun 19, 2026 at 1:37 AM · Independent