US military races to vaccinate new recruits before flu shots expire
Key takeaways
- US army soldiers conduct operations during combat training in Killeen, Texas, in 2025.
- Officials will need to lean on other prevention measures to contain the growing flu outbreak at Lackland air force base in San Antonio, Texas, experts say.
- The flu vaccines now being deployed across military basic training camps are set to expire on 30 June, and new doses will not arrive until August or later.
Why this matters: a developing story that could shape the day's news cycle.
US army soldiers conduct operations during combat training in Killeen, Texas, in 2025. Photograph: Brandon Bell/Getty Images View image in fullscreen US army soldiers conduct operations during combat training in Killeen, Texas, in 2025. Photograph: Brandon Bell/Getty Images US military US military races to vaccinate new recruits before flu shots expire Move comes amid growing outbreak in Texas and after two-month halt on mandatory shots
Prefer the Guardian on Google The US military is racing to vaccinate new recruits after a two-month halt on mandatory flu shots – but it’s a temporary reprieve, as the shots will soon expire and new doses will not be available for months.
Officials will need to lean on other prevention measures to contain the growing flu outbreak at Lackland air force base in San Antonio, Texas, experts say.