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US Air Force requested to bring back mandatory flu shots weeks before basic training outbreak
By CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7
· June 24, 2026
· 4 min read
By Davis Winkie, Zachary Cohen, CNN
(CNN) — A worsening flu outbreak among recruits attending basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, began earlier this month while an Air Force request to reinstate a mandatory flu shot requirement axed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth wound...
Key takeaway The Air Force confirmed that a recruit there died in a military hospital on June 16 after experiencing a “medical emergency” a few days before, but it’s unclear whether his death is linked to the flu outbreak.
Why this matters in The El Paso
The flu outbreak at Lackland Air Force Base has significant implications for El Paso , given the base's presence in the city. With at least 275 recruits sickened and one death reported, the situation raises concerns about the potential spread of the flu to the broader community. The fact that around 60% of previously unvaccinated trainees initially declined the flu shot during the vaccine requirement's lapse is particularly troubling, as it suggests a significant number of individuals may have been vulnerable to infection. The restoration of the vaccine mandate for Air Force recruits on June 11 may help mitigate the outbreak, but it is crucial for local health officials to monitor the situation closely and take steps to prevent the flu from spreading to the general public. The economic and social ties between the base and the city mean that a large-scale outbreak could have far-reaching consequences for El Paso.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . 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 KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 4 min
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What is this story about? By Davis Winkie, Zachary Cohen, CNN
(CNN) — A worsening flu outbreak among recruits attending basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, began earlier this month while an Air Force request to reinstate a mandatory flu shot requirement axed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth wound...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. 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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