Live newsroomScoop NewsLast newsroom update: Sep 18, 9:35 AM

Live source delayed — keeping the latest verified scores on screen while the desk reconnects.

U.S.Reported

Military services again requiring recruits to get flu shots as Air Force outbreak grows

In April, Hegseth said the flu shot would be optional for military personnel. A flu outbreak at the Air Force's basic training hub in San Antonio is worsening, according to two sources familiar with the situation. As of Wednesday, the number of cumulative cases linked to a flu outbreak at Lackland Air Force Base, part of Joint Base San Antonio, had reached 275, according to sources familiar with the matter. That's up from 222 cases reported on Tuesday. As of Tuesday, four people had been hospitalized, two people familiar with the matter told ABC News previously.

Missing media or need the complete publisher report? Open ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos

Scoop News DeskSan Antonio, Texas · Published Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 6:43 PM UTCUpdated Friday, September 18, 2026 at 9:35 AM UTC

Coverage image for: Military services again requiring recruits to get flu shots as Air Force outbreak grows

Media link supplied by the Scoop Newsroom app.

Scoop News reporting summary

The text below was supplied by the Scoop Newsroom app. Third-party reporting is attributed in the source panel.

Keon McDaniel, the Air Force recruit who died, was in his sixth week of basic training when he experienced a medical emergency on June 12, according to the Air Force.