More than 150 recruits currently in training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, have reportedly fallen ill due to an influenza outbreak.
The surge in cases follows a recent policy shift by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who eliminated mandatory flu vaccinations for military personnel. Hegseth defended the decision by emphasizing the importance of bodily autonomy for service members.
“We’re seizing this moment to discard any absurd overreaching mandates that only weaken our war fighting capabilities,” Hegseth stated in an April social media video, adding that this included the universal flu vaccine mandate. “Your body, your faith and your convictions are not negotiable.”
Reports from ABC News and the New York Times indicate that at least 159 recruits have been affected. Air Force officials told the New York Times that since vaccinations became optional, only approximately 40% of recruits chose to receive the shot.
For comparison, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data shows that roughly 46% of adults were vaccinated against influenza during the 2025-26 season.
Lackland is part of Joint Base San Antonio, a massive installation housing 70,000 members. Because recruits live in communal dormitories and dine together, the environment is highly susceptible to the rapid spread of airborne illnesses.
Authorities have not yet determined if the death of basic trainee Keon McDaniel is linked to the outbreak. McDaniel passed away on June 16 following a “medical emergency,” and the cause of death remains under investigation, according to an Air Force press release.
In an effort to contain the spread, Air Force officials have since ordered recruits at Lackland to be vaccinated, according to the New York Times.
A Pentagon spokesperson referred inquiries to the Air Force press office, which has not yet provided a response.
