Hegseth Ends Flu Vaccine Mandate “Your Body and Your Convictions Are Not Negotiable”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has officially rescinded the long-standing annual influenza vaccine mandate for all U.S. military service members. Citing "medical autonomy" and religious freedom, Hegseth stated that forcing troops to choose between their conscience and their country is "not rational" and vowed to end the era of overreaching mandates that he claims weaken warfighting capabilities. The new policy, effective immediately, makes the flu shot voluntary for active-duty personnel, reservists, and National Guard members. While the Pentagon will still offer the vaccine to those who want it, the shift marks a significant departure from military traditions dating back to the American Revolution, as the administration prioritizes individual convictions over universal compliance in the wake of previous vaccine-related loss of personnel. #PeteHegseth #Pentagon #MilitaryNews #FluVaccine #MedicalAutonomy #BreakingNews #USMilitary #VaccineMandate #HealthPolicy #Hegseth