U.S. Air Force Flu Outbreak at Lackland Base Triggers Mandatory Vaccine Requirement

An influenza outbreak at Joint Base San Antonio‑Lackland sickened 222 Air Force trainees, hospitalized four, and resulted in the death of trainee Keon McDaniel. The outbreak prompted the Air Force to reinstate a mandatory flu‑shot policy for all basic‑training recruits after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had ended the service‑wide vaccine mandate earlier in the year.

Medical officials isolated symptomatic trainees, provided antiviral treatment such as Tamiflu, and continue monitoring exposed personnel. Congressman Joaquin Castro demanded a full accounting of the incident and criticized the earlier policy change as reckless, urging the Department of Defense to investigate the trainee’s death. The Army is also preparing to require flu vaccinations for certain deploying troops and first responders.

The Air Force’s response aims to vaccinate all current and incoming trainees at the Texas installation to prevent further spread and restore readiness.