06/20/2026
If you have questions about vaccines, I get it. I once had questions too. But the vax facts not only increased my understanding, but they also protected me from misguided fears and misinformation. After earning my science degrees, I entered science communication to help people access these facts, and you can find them in the links below (and relevant links in the comments). And incidents like this are why facts matter—not just on the individual level, but especially in matters of public health and military force readiness.
Immunization requirements for the US military go back to the Revolution under General Washington. Vaccines helped raise the Star-Spangled Banner and keep the colors flying. Why? Because sickness is an invisible enemy against our armed forces. Historically, more troops died from disease than from combat. But vaccines (and other advancements in modern medicine) have greatly helped increase force readiness and national security.
However, following the removal of some mandated immunizations, it isn't surprising to see an outbreak, especially among recruits living in close quarters. In addition to about 160 cases, one recruit has died; however, it isn't clear if the death was related to complications from the flu. Information is still unfolding. I remember getting nasty colds while living in the barracks. Thankfully, it wasn't as serious as the flu.
As upset as I may be, I want to keep this education-focused. So I will take this as an opportunity to remind folks that yes, while most people recover from the flu just fine, it isn't harmless. It can be deadly and/or lead to serious health complications, even among young and fit individuals. Vaccines offer better protection.
With relatively uncommon exceptions (such as people with compromised immune systems), vaccines reduce the spread of disease, increase the odds your body can defeat the virus before it can make you sick, and substantially increase the odds you won't suffer from severe complications and death from preventable disease. Vaccines train and arm your immune system to respond more swiftly and strongly to an invading infection. Vaccines offer security not just for you, but for your loved ones, community, and in the case of the military, vaccines increase force readiness.
More about this incident here:
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jun/18/lackland-air-force-base-flu-outbreak
And if you have questions about vaccines, as I said above, I get it. I once had questions too. That's why I wrote this below.
https://sgtscholar.wordpress.com/2020/09/15/brief-vaccine-q-and-a/
Carpe Datum and Semper Sci!
[Sgt Scholar Actual]
