local
Flu cases at Texas base hit 275 as services again require recruits to get shots
By Ellen Mitchell and The Hill at KTSM 9 News (NBC)
· June 26, 2026
· 1 min read
The number of flu cases at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas continues to rise in the wake of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s banishment of the influenza vaccine mandate for service members.
Why this matters in The El Paso
The surge in flu cases at Lackland Air Force Base has significant implications for El Paso , given the base's proximity to the city. As the number of cases climbs to 275, local healthcare systems may face increased pressure to provide care to affected service members and their families. This could lead to a strain on resources, potentially impacting the availability of medical services for El Paso residents. The reinstatement of the flu vaccine mandate for recruits is a crucial step in mitigating the spread of the virus, but its effectiveness will depend on the speed and scope of implementation. El Pasoans should be vigilant about taking preventive measures, such as getting vaccinated and practicing good hygiene, to reduce the risk of transmission. The city's public health infrastructure will be closely watched in the coming weeks to see how it responds to the growing outbreak.
About this story
Original reporting by KTSM 9 News (NBC) . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KTSM 9 News (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: KTSM 9 News (NBC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The number of flu cases at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas continues to rise in the wake of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s banishment of the influenza vaccine mandate for service members.
When was this published? This article was first published on June 26, 2026 by KTSM 9 News (NBC) and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Ellen Mitchell and The Hill at KTSM 9 News (NBC). To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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