Nearly 160 troops have reportedly been sick with the flu at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dropped a flu vaccine mandate in April, according to news reports.
The outbreak in San Antonio has led to the hospitalization of two recruits as of Wednesday, ABC News reported, citing two sources familiar with the matter. Another source told the outlet that the number of cases and hospitalizations may be higher.
The death of a trainee at the base last week after suffering a medical emergency remains under investigation, officials said in a statement Wednesday.
Anyone showing symptoms is being isolated and treated, while those who had close contact with sick members are being monitored, an Air Force spokesperson told ABC News.
In April, Hegseth made the flu vaccine optional for all U.S. military personnel, both active and reserve. The move aimed to “restore freedom and strength to our joint force,” he said in a statement at the time.
Since the policy change, only about 40% of Air Force trainees have opted to take the vaccine, The New York Times reported, citing an Air Force official.
Amid the current outbreak, all recruits at Lackland are required to get the flu shot, according to the Times.
Air Force representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Friday.