Flu outbreak hits Air Force basic training in Texas after vaccine mandate lifted, with 159 cases reported among recruits
A flu outbreak is affecting Air Force basic training in San Antonio, Texas, with at least 159 confirmed cases and two hospitalizations reported among recruits as health officials respond to a cluster of infections at Joint Base San Antonio.
The outbreak developed over the past several weeks and has prompted medical staff to isolate symptomatic trainees, treat cases, and monitor those who were in close contact with infected individuals. Officials said additional cases and hospitalizations are still being assessed.
An Air Force spokesperson confirmed the situation, describing it as a localized influenza outbreak within the basic military training program. Symptomatic recruits are being treated with antiviral medications, including Tamiflu, and will return to training once medically cleared.
The timing of the outbreak comes months after the military shifted its flu vaccination policy, making the annual shot optional for all service members, both active duty and reserve. The change ended a long-standing requirement that had kept vaccination rates among recruits near universal levels.
Since the policy change, vaccination coverage among trainees at the San Antonio facility has reportedly fallen to about 40%, down from nearly full compliance in previous years.
Military officials have said limited exemptions can still be granted in certain cases, but responsibility for implementation has been left to individual services and defense agencies.
Public health experts note that military trainees live and train in close quarters, a setting that increases the risk of respiratory disease spread. Younger service members, particularly new recruits, are considered more vulnerable to complications from influenza compared to other personnel.
Health studies have shown that influenza-related hospitalizations in the military disproportionately affect service members under 25, including basic trainees.
The flu vaccine has historically been a standard requirement for U.S. service members for decades, introduced after World War II in response to concerns about infectious disease outbreaks in military settings and lessons learned from the 1918 influenza pandemic, which caused severe illness and fatalities among troops.
While the annual flu shot is widely recommended for the general public, military health officials have long relied on high vaccination rates to reduce outbreaks in training environments where close contact is unavoidable.
Officials continue to monitor the situation as the outbreak develops and additional testing and containment measures remain in place.
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