Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced that the Department of Defense will no longer mandate the annual flu shot for U.S. service members. This decision is part of the Trump administration's effort to restore freedom and strength to the military. Hegsetsh's decision to allow troops to choose not to be vaccinated against the flu is both dangerous and unethical. The decision was seen as an attempt to protect our armed forces against infectious diseases, which have historically impacted naval readiness. The Navy and Marine Corps Force Health Protection Command has stated that seasonal flu vaccination is an effective control measure to reduce the risk of severe influenza and mission degradation.