local
Military requiring flu vaccines for recruits as Air Force base deals with outbreak
By Eleanor Watson at CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW
· June 25, 2026
· 3 min read
All branches of the U.S. military began once again requiring their recruits to get flu vaccines earlier this month, an exception to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's decision to lift the military's vaccine mandate, a Pentagon official confirmed to CBS News on Wednesday. The news comes as Lackland ...
Key takeaway The unit at Lackland has implemented mitigation measures, is monitoring trainees who may have been exposed and is treating symptomatic trainees with antiviral medications such as Tamiflu, an Air Force spokesperson told CBS News last week.
Why this matters in Southlake News
The recent flu outbreak at Lackland Air Force Base, which has infected 275 people, raises concerns about the health and readiness of military personnel in the region. As the base is home to the Air Force's Basic Military Training program, the outbreak's impact on training operations and the local community is a pressing issue. The reinstatement of the flu vaccine mandate for recruits is a crucial step in mitigating the spread of the virus, particularly in communal environments like military bases. Southlake residents should be aware of the potential risks of flu outbreaks in densely populated areas, including military bases, and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families. The situation at Lackland Air Force Base serves as a reminder to stay vigilant about public health issues in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where military installations and training programs are a significant part of the community.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW . Southlake News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 25, 2026 ·
Source: CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? All branches of the U.S. military began once again requiring their recruits to get flu vaccines earlier this month, an exception to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's decision to lift the military's vaccine mandate, a Pentagon official confirmed to CBS News on Wednesday. The news comes as Lackland ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 25, 2026 by CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW and curated for Southlake News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Eleanor Watson at CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW. To learn more about how Southlake News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Southlake News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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