RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
The mandatory anthrax vaccine immunization program has resumed, according to a memo from the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense dated October 12, 2006.
Uniformed personnel who are deploying to certain areas outside of the continental U.S. are required to get the vaccination before their pre-deployment medical checklist is signed off, according to Staff Sgt. Julie Stewart, Randolph Allergy and Immunization Clinic NCOIC. Individuals will be notified whether or not AVIP will be a requirement for them when they out-process through Public Health.
"The active-duty members' health and safety are our number one concern," said Staff Sgt. Kristin Garcia, Randolph Allergy and Immunization Clinic. "This vaccine is safe and effective and the threat from anthrax spores is deadly and real. America's best scientists say that the anthrax vaccine protects against all forms of anthrax disease and is safe. This vaccination will protect Air Force members, their units and their unit's missions."
Deployment locations requiring the vaccinations include all areas in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility and the Korean peninsula. The deployment must be for 15 or more consecutive days for the requirement to apply.
The change also applies to uniformed personnel designated as early deployers to the Korean peninsula, emergency-essential and equivalent Department of Defense civilian employees assigned to the USCENTCOM AOR or Korean peninsula, and DoD contractor personnel carrying out mission-essential services to the USCENTCOM AOR or Korean peninsula. These individuals must also be assigned to the deployed location for 15 days or more. All other members to which previously approved exceptions to the Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program policy applied are also covered by the change.
AVIP consists of six shots, the first three of which are given every two weeks; the following three shots are given six months, 12 months and 18 months from the first vaccination.
"Our goal is to have those who are required to have the vaccinations get the first three shots before deploying," Sergeant Stewart said. "But if a person was exposed to anthrax after just one shot, the effects would be lessened."
Those who have completed the series and are still deployed or scheduled to deploy again will keep their vaccination current by receiving an annual booster.
The policy also allows active-duty members or DoD personnel who have started the AVIP series to complete it. Some personnel are eligible for voluntary vaccinations, subject to medical exemptions, based on current location or status.
U.S. government civilian employees and U.S. citizen contractor personnel other than those included above assigned to 15 or more consecutive days to the USCENTCOM AOR or Korea, and adult family members ages 18-65 accompanying military, DoD civilian or U.S. contractor personnel for 15 or more consecutive days to the same areas are eligible to receive voluntary vaccinations.
In rare cases, vaccinations can have side effects, but most patients report only minor discomfort including a knot, redness and soreness and a burning sensation.
"The important thing to remember is that if you were exposed to anthrax, this vaccination could save your life," Sergeant Stewart said.
The Randolph Immunization Clinic offers anthrax vaccinations on a walk-in basis from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.