US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth looks on during a meeting with Canada's Minister of National Defence David McGuinty (out of frame) at the Pentagon in Washington, DC, on September 22, 2025. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP) (Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images) Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images

The Pentagon has stepped back from its policy that requires all troops to get the flu shot every year by introducing exemptions for reservists and proclaiming that the shot is only necessary in some circumstances for all service members, according to a document obtained by The Associated Press.

The memo, written by Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg on May 29 and sent to all the military services, says reserve troops now will need to be on active duty for 30 days or more before being required

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