SAN ANTONIO — A flu outbreak is spreading among recruits in San Antonio following the end of mandatory vaccination for all service members, it has been confirmed.
Over 100 recruits have tested positive for influenza, and two have been hospitalized at Brooke Army Medical Center, according to two sources familiar with the matter.
The news of the outbreak comes after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced in April that the flu vaccine would be optional for all U.S. military personnel, both active and reserve.
“Our new policy is simple: If you, an American warrior entrusted to defend this nation, believe that the flu vaccine is in your best interest, then you are free to take it; you should. But we will not force you,” Hegseth said at the time.
An Air Force spokesperson confirmed that there is an outbreak at Lackland Air Force Base, calling it a “localized influenza outbreak among trainees”.
“Medical professionals and Public Health officials have implemented mitigation measures to isolate and treat symptomatic trainees to reduce further exposure and continue to monitor the situation,” the statement read. “Medical personnel are also monitoring trainees who were in close contact with sick members in case they become symptomatic.”
“Once they are cleared by medical professionals, they will return to training,” the statement continued.
The news comes as an investigation is being launched into the death of Keon McDaniel, a basic military trainee, who died on June 16 at Brooke Army Medical Center, the Air Force said in a press release.
McDaniel was in his sixth week of Basic Military Training when he experienced a medical emergency on June 12 and was transported to Brooke Army Medical Center, where he later died, the release said.
The annual flu vaccine is recommended to everyone over 6 months old between September and the start of November. Although the typical flu season ends by February or March, people can become infected any season.
