US Military Drops Mandatory Flu Vaccine, Emphasizes Autonomy

0:00Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth just dropped a big change. The U.S. military is scrapping the mandatory flu vaccine for all troops. He says it's about medical autonomy and religious freedom. No more forcing shots on every service member in every situation. Troops can still get the flu vaccine if they want, but it's their call now. Services have 15 days to request keeping the requirement in place, per the new memo. This follows the messy COVID vaccine mandate from a few years back, when over 8,000 troops got discharged for refusing. Congress killed that rule, and now a small number are rejoining with back pay, about 153 so far. Military vaccinations go way back to the American Revolution, when George Washington pushed smallpox shots for the Continental Army. Aid vaccines were required before, including flu, measles, and tetanus, with exemptions possible but a hassle. Even after a rough flu season this year, the administration is easing up on broad vaccine pushes, even recommending parents and docs to side for kids.

1:01It's a clear shift to our personal choice in the ranks. That wraps California news today, brought to you with AI.