The U.S. military runs one of the most comprehensive immunization programs in the world to protect service members and maintain force readiness.
Important 2026 Updates:
- The annual influenza (flu) vaccine is now voluntary for all service members (effective April 2026).
- The COVID-19 vaccine is no longer required.
Recruits still receive a series of core vaccines during basic training / initial entry. Additional shots are given based on job, deployment location, or specific risk.
This guide gives you the current military vaccine list in a clear, up-to-date format.
Table of Contents
Military Vaccine Overview Table (2026)
| Vaccine | Basic Training | Routine / Annual | Deployment / AOR | Occupational / High-Risk | 2026 Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adenovirus (4 & 7) | Yes | No | No | No | Standard |
| Hepatitis A | Yes | Boosters as needed | Yes | No | Standard |
| Hepatitis B | Yes | Boosters as needed | Yes | No | Standard |
| MMR (Measles/Mumps/Rubella) | Yes | As needed | No | No | Standard |
| Meningococcal (MenACWY) | Yes | Boosters as needed | Yes | No | Standard |
| Tdap | Yes | Every 10 years | Yes | No | Standard |
| Varicella (Chickenpox) | Yes | As needed | No | No | Standard |
| Poliovirus (IPV) | Yes (if needed) | As needed | No | No | Standard |
| Influenza (Flu) | Often | Voluntary | Voluntary | Voluntary | Voluntary (April 2026) |
| COVID-19 | No | Voluntary | Voluntary | Voluntary | Not required |
| Anthrax | No | No | Selective | Yes | Selective |
| Smallpox | No | No | Selective | Yes | Selective |
| Typhoid | No | No | Yes (certain areas) | No | Deployment-specific |
Vaccines Typically Given in Basic Training (2026)
Most recruits receive 8–12 shots (or boosters) during reception and the first few weeks of basic training. The exact number depends on blood titer results (immunity checks) and prior vaccination history.
Core Vaccines Usually Given:
- Adenovirus Types 4 and 7: Prevents respiratory illness common in training. The Adenovirus Type 4 and Type 7 vaccine has been shown to induce a durable antibody response.1
- Hepatitis A & B: Protects against liver infection from contaminated food/water and bloodborne hepatitis. Required for all service members.
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): Booster regardless of prior history. There are two doses needed of this vaccine, although it formerly was 3 doses.2
- Meningococcal (MenACWY): Protects against bacterial meningitis. The Meningococcal vaccine is important because Meningococcal is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.3
- Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis): Updated booster every 10 years.
- Varicella (Chickenpox): If no documented immunity.
- Poliovirus (IPV): Booster as needed.
Shots are usually spread out over several weeks to reduce discomfort.
2026 Routine & Annual Vaccine Changes
- Influenza (Flu): Now voluntary across the Department of Defense. Still available free at military clinics and strongly encouraged during flu season.
- COVID-19: No longer mandatory. Available on a voluntary, shared decision-making basis.
- Tdap: Required every 10 years (or as needed for deployment).
Deployment & AOR-Specific Vaccines (2026)
Certain vaccines are given only when you deploy or travel to a specific Area of Responsibility (AOR). These are determined by the Combatant Command (CENTCOM, INDOPACOM, AFRICOM, etc.) and current threat levels.
Common AOR / Deployment Vaccines Include:
- Typhoid (most deployment areas)
- Yellow Fever (parts of Africa and South America)
- Japanese Encephalitis (parts of Asia and the Pacific)
- Additional boosters for Hepatitis A/B, Meningococcal, or Rabies (high-risk areas or jobs)
The exact requirements change based on your destination, mission, and current health threats. The official source is the Defense Health Agency’s Vaccine Recommendations by AOR page on Health.mil. Here’s the theatre medical clearance info and vaccine recommendations for each combatant command (AOR):
- US Africa Command
- US Central Command
- US European Command
- US Indo-Pacific Command
- US Northern Command
- US Southern Command
Your gaining command or medical provider will give you the final list during pre-deployment processing
Occupational & High-Risk Vaccines
Given only when required by job or mission:
- Anthrax (selective units or high-threat deployments)
- Smallpox (certain high-risk personnel)
- Rabies (animal handlers or high-exposure roles)
What to Expect as a Recruit or Family Member
- Shots are given based on your personal immunity records and blood tests.
- Bring any civilian vaccination records to MEPS or basic training to avoid unnecessary repeats.
- Most people experience mild soreness or low-grade fever for a day or two — normal reactions.
- The “peanut butter shot” (bicillin injection) is still commonly given in basic training to prevent certain infections.
Vaccine Waivers & Exemptions
The military allows limited exemptions from required vaccines:
- Medical Exemptions: Granted when a vaccine poses a health risk (e.g., severe allergy, immune disorder, or documented natural immunity). Decided by a military healthcare provider and can be temporary or permanent.
- Religious / Administrative Exemptions: Requests based on sincerely held religious beliefs. Processed under DoDI 1300.17 and service regulations. Approval is not guaranteed and requires a formal written request, often involving a chaplain.
Note: With the flu vaccine now voluntary in 2026, waivers are no longer needed for flu shots. Refusing a required vaccine without an approved exemption can affect deployability, assignments, and may lead to administrative consequences.
See our comprehensive Military Medical Waiver guide to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many shots do you get in basic training?
Most recruits receive 8–12 shots (or boosters) spread over the first few weeks. The exact number depends on your blood titer results (immunity checks) and prior vaccination records.
Is the flu shot still mandatory in 2026?
No. The annual influenza vaccine became voluntary for all service members effective April 2026. It is still free and strongly encouraged at military clinics.
Is the COVID-19 vaccine required?
No. The COVID-19 vaccine is no longer mandatory for any service members.
Are there any new mandatory vaccines added in 2026?
No major new vaccines were added to the core program. The biggest changes were making flu voluntary and removing the COVID-19 requirement.
What are the most common side effects?
Mild soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever, or fatigue for 1–2 days are normal. The “peanut butter shot” (bicillin) given in basic training can cause more noticeable soreness.
Can you refuse vaccines in the military?
Medical or religious exemptions are possible but require formal approval and documentation. Refusing required vaccines can impact deployability, assignments, and promotions.
Do military family members (dependents) get the same vaccines?
No. Dependents follow the standard CDC childhood and adult immunization schedule through TRICARE, not the full military deployment schedule.
What if I already had some of these vaccines as a civilian?
Bring your civilian vaccination records and/or titers to MEPS or basic training. You may skip shots if you have documented immunity.
Will I get the same vaccines in every branch of service?
The core basic training vaccines are very similar across Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard, but slight differences can exist by branch or job specialty.
References
- Collins ND, Adhikari A, Yang Y, et al. Live Oral Adenovirus Type 4 and Type 7 Vaccine Induces Durable Antibody Response. Vaccines (Basel). 2020;8(3):411. Published 2020 Jul 23. doi:10.3390/vaccines8030411 (source)
- Griffin DE. Measles Vaccine. Viral Immunol. 2018;31(2):86-95. doi:10.1089/vim.2017.0143 (source)
- Myers TR, McNeil MM, Ng CS, Li R, Lewis PW, Cano MV. Adverse events following quadrivalent meningococcal CRM-conjugate vaccine (Menveo®) reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting system (VAERS), 2010-2015. Vaccine. 2017;35(14):1758-1763. doi:10.1016/j.vaccine.2017.02.030 (source
- About the Author
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Rob V. is the founder of OperationMilitaryKids.org. While he never actually served in the US Military, he has a passion for writing about military related topics.
Born and raised in Woodbridge, NJ, he graduated from the New Jersey Institute Of Technology with an MBA in eCommerce. His hobbies include beach volleyball, target shooting, and lifting.
Rob is also a Commercially rated pilot and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), with over 1,500 hours of flight time.