Flu vaccine no longer mandatory for soldiers, says US military chief

The US Defense Secretary has announced that the flu vaccine will no longer be obligatory for members of the country's military. The decision is based on principles of "medical autonomy" and religious freedom. The Trump administration has framed vaccine refusal as a matter of personal moral and religious principle, rolling back some policies meant to safeguard against preventable diseases. Military services have been given 15 days to request that the mandate be kept in place.