https://theworldwatch.com/tags/vaccinne/ Wed 22 Apr 2026 16:09:49 +0200 https://theworldwatch.com/videos/1614491/defense-secretary-hegseth-ends-mandatory-flu-shots-for-troops/
In a video statement, Hegseth announced the immediate policy change for active-duty troops, reservists, and civilians at the renamed War Department, calling the 70-year-old mandate overly broad. He linked it to reversing Biden-era rules like the COVID vaccine requirement, which discharged over 8,000 troops, while allowing voluntary shots. Critics like Sen. Mark Kelly and Rep. Jason Crow called it reckless, citing history like George Washington's smallpox orders and WWI flu deaths, but supporters including Robert F. Kennedy Jr. praised the focus on individual choice. ]]> Wed 22 Apr 2026 11:40:32 +0200 https://theworldwatch.com/videos/1614491/defense-secretary-hegseth-ends-mandatory-flu-shots-for-troops/