Dropping the flu vaccine requirement puts U.S. military readiness at risk Since the 1918 pandemic, the military has acknowledged the influenza’s threat. Now that’s changing

https://www.statnews.com/2026/04/23/military-flu-shots-no-longer-required-retired-general-criticizes-move/ By Paul FriedrichsApril 23, 2026 Friedrichs is a retired military medical officer whose last job in uniform was in the Pentagon as the senior medical adviser to the Joint Chiefs. He then served as the senior director for global health security and biodefense on the National Security Council.