The Air Force began requiring its recruits to receive flu vaccines following a large flu outbreak at a Texas training center. The decision to lift the broad flu shot requirement, said Hegseth, was grounded in what he called “medical autonomy.” The former mandate requiring all service members to take the flu shot, added Hegseth, is “overly broad and not rational.” The Navy is now requiring sailors and associated civilians from a variety of different operational groups to receive the influenza vaccine. While the annual flu vaccine is not required for all Navy personnel, the recent memo doubled as a strong recommendation.