Flu Outbreak at Lackland Air Force Base After Vaccination Rules Were Removed
美國國防部取消疫苗規定後，拉克蘭空軍基地爆發流感
Introduction
A large number of trainees at Lackland Air Force Base have caught the flu after the Department of Defense changed its vaccination policy.
在美國國防部更改疫苗政策後，拉克蘭空軍基地有大量受訓人員感染流感。
Main Body
The outbreak happened within the 37th Training Wing, which is responsible for basic military training. About 159 recruits have shown symptoms. Experts believe the virus spread quickly because of the shared living and dining areas at the base. In response, the 37th Training Wing and the 59th Medical Wing have started safety measures, such as isolating sick individuals and providing antiviral medication like Tamiflu.
此次爆發發生在負責基礎軍事訓練的第 37 訓練聯隊，約有 159 名新兵出現症狀。專家認為，由於基地內有共用的起居與用餐區域，導致病毒傳播迅速。作為回應，第 37 訓練聯隊與第 59 醫療聯隊已開始採取安全措施，例如將病患隔離，以及提供如 Tamiflu 等抗病毒藥物。
This health crisis follows a policy change on April 21, when Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth removed the long-standing flu vaccine requirement. The Secretary argued that the previous rules violated medical freedom and religious beliefs, and he emphasized that such mandates reduced military effectiveness. Consequently, vaccination rates among Air Force trainees dropped to around 40%, which is lower than the 46% adult vaccination rate reported by the CDC for the 2025-26 season.
這次健康危機發生在 4 月 21 日的政策變更之後，當時國防部長 Pete Hegseth 取消了長期實行的流感疫苗強制要求。部長主張之前的規定違反了醫療自由與宗教信仰，並強調此類強制命令降低了軍事效率。因此，空軍受訓人員的疫苗接種率下降至約 40%，低於美國疾病管制與預防中心（CDC）報告的 2025-26 季度成年人 46% 接種率。
To stop the spread, the Air Force has introduced a special exception that brings back mandatory vaccines for recruits at Lackland. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated that these decisions are based on risk assessments to keep the military ready and protect people. At the same time, the Department is investigating the death of trainee Keon McDaniel on June 16. A formal medical review is currently happening to see if the flu outbreak caused this death.
為了阻止傳播，空軍引入了一項特別豁免，恢復拉克蘭基地新兵的強制疫苗接種。五角大廈發言人 Sean Parnell 表示，這些決定是基於風險評估，旨在維持軍隊準備狀態並保護人員。同時，國防部正在調查受訓人員 Keon McDaniel 於 6 月 16 日死亡的事件。目前正在進行正式的醫療審查，以確認流感爆發是否導致該名人員死亡。
Conclusion
The Air Force is currently controlling a local flu outbreak using targeted vaccines and isolation while investigating the death of a trainee.
空軍目前正透過針對性疫苗接種與隔離措施來控制局部流感爆發，同時調查一名受訓人員死亡的事件。
Vocabulary Learning
⚡ The 'Cause & Effect' Leap
At the A2 level, you probably use 'because' for everything. To reach B2, you need to connect ideas using 'consequence markers' that make your speech sound professional and fluid.
🔍 The Linguistic Pivot
Look at this sentence from the text:
*"Consequently, vaccination rates among Air Force trainees dropped to around 40%..."
'Consequently' is a B2 power-word. It replaces the simple 'so' or 'that's why'. It signals to the listener that what follows is a direct, logical result of the previous fact.
🛠️ How to Upgrade Your Vocabulary
Instead of repeating 'Because' 'So', try these three levels of connectivity:
-
The Professional Link (Consequently / Therefore):
- A2: It rained, so the game stopped.
- B2: There was a heavy storm; consequently, the match was cancelled.
-
The Result Trigger (As a result / Due to):
- A2: He was sick because he didn't have the vaccine.
- B2: Due to a lack of vaccination, he became ill.
-
The Action Response (In response):
- A2: They saw the flu, so they started safety rules.
- B2: In response to the outbreak, the military implemented safety measures.
💡 Quick Rule of Thumb
If you want to sound like a B2 speaker, stop starting every sentence with the 'reason' and start using these 'transition words' to bridge your thoughts. It changes your English from a list of facts into a coherent story.