Pentagon eases annual flu shot rule for troops, adds reservist exemptions

WASHINGTON — The Pentagon has stepped back from a policy that required all service members to receive an annual influenza vaccine, introducing exemptions for reservists and stating that the shot would be required only in certain circumstances, according to a document obtained by The Associated Press. The memo, dated May 29, was sent to all services and has not been publicly announced by the department.

The memo, written by Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg, directs that reserve troops must be on active duty for 30 days or more before the annual flu shot would be required. It also says the department will no longer pay for reservists or National Guard members to obtain the vaccine on their own time. The document describes conserving resources and says vaccination will be mandated only when it most directly contributes to readiness. Yet the memo later says the annual requirement for active-duty troops is still in effect, creating ambiguity about the changes.

The policy change was circulated quietly months ago and has not been publicly announced by the Pentagon. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth drew attention to it on Wednesday when he reposted a comment from an anonymous account that claimed troops in the National Guard would not be forced to get a flu shot this fall. Officials did not respond to questions about the memo's language or the post.

The notes also touch on broader vaccine-policy debates that have circulated since the Trump administration took office. An influential immunization advisory panel updated to include anti-vaccine figures did not recommend the COVID-19 shot for anyone, while President Donald Trump has publicly questioned vaccine guidance. In another policy move, the Pentagon offered back pay to former service members who refused the COVID vaccine and were discharged under the Biden administration; as of last year, only 113 of more than 8,000 eligible servicemembers had chosen to reenlist, a figure described by officials as limited in response.

Analysts say the newly clarified stance on the flu shot could affect vaccination coverage and readiness costs, particularly as the department seeks to balance resources with maintaining force health and preparedness. Pentagon officials did not immediately provide further comment.