Department of War Rolls Back Some Influenza Vaccination Requirements

The changes apply to reservists. Active-duty members are still required to receive an annual influenza shot or obtain an exemption.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., on Sept. 9, 2025. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

The Department of War has changed its influenza vaccination requirements for reservists, and is no longer paying some reservists and National Guard members to receive the shot, a Pentagon official confirmed on Sept. 25.

Reservists do not need to receive an influenza vaccine unless they’re activated for at least 30 consecutive days, according to Pentagon immunization requirements released earlier in the year, but not reported by any news outlets until this week.

“During an outbreak, pandemic influenza immunizations will be required or recommended as appropriate, depending on the immunization’s regulatory status at the time of the outbreak,” the guidance states.

All active-duty members are still required to receive an annual influenza shot or obtain an exemption, while civilian employees are “highly encouraged” to receive the vaccine, according to the document.

The changes were implemented based on a memorandum sent by Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg in May, the document states.

The Pentagon declined to provide a copy of the memo, but an official told The Epoch Times in an email that another change has also been implemented that is not listed in the updated requirements.

“The Department will no longer compensate members of the National Guard and Reserve who are not activated for 30 consecutive days and who elect to receive the flu vaccine for their time spent getting the vaccine,” the official said. “There are no changes to policy for active-duty Service members, who are still required to receive the annual flu vaccine. Likewise, requirements for civilian employees will continue to be based on occupational risk for contagion and spread. For example, all healthcare workers are required to receive the flu vaccine.”

The updated guidance, issued in June and effective since July, had attracted little attention. War Secretary Pete Hegseth shared a post this week from a pseudonymous account on X that said, “I found out today that for the first time in over a decade, I won’t be forced to get a flu shot this fall for the privilege of serving my state and country in the National Guard.”

People outside the military are advised to receive the influenza vaccine on a yearly basis. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over the summer renewed the recommendation, based on advice from a vaccine advisory panel.

The influenza vaccine often provides protection against infection below 50 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, although officials say the shielding is better against severe disease.