Pentagon Revises Military Flu Shot Mandate, Exempts Reservists Not Activated 30+ Days

The Pentagon has revised its flu vaccination policy, introducing exemptions for reservists who now only must receive the flu shot if activated for 30 or more days, while active-duty personnel remain required to get vaccinated annually. Additionally, the military will no longer cover the cost of flu shots for reservists or National Guard members who choose to get vaccinated on their own time. This change, detailed in a memo from Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg, aims to conserve resources by mandating vaccinations primarily when they directly contribute to military readiness. The policy update, although issued months ago, was publicly highlighted by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who shared social media comments emphasizing the eased requirements for National Guard members. These adjustments coincide with broader vaccination policy shifts under the Trump administration, which has also halted COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and provided back pay incentives to former service members dismissed for refusing COVID-19 vaccination. Despite the memo's ambiguous language regarding active-duty requirements and the lack of official clarifications from Pentagon officials, the revisions mark a significant change in military vaccination protocols.