DoD Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program restarting Published March 16, 2007 By Col. Douglas Anderson 305th Medical Group commander MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, NJ. -- The Department of Defense has mandated the restart of the Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program. The threat of reduced mission effectiveness, increased workplace stress and attack are real through the weaponization of Anthrax. For those in eligible categories, get your Anthrax vaccination updated before the invisible enemy attacks you. Lead by example, leave no one behind and ensure your wingman follows you to do the same ... If you don't; the 'bad guy' may win. An invisible weapon, Anthrax does not care about razor wire fences, guards at gates, or cement barriers at McGuire or deployed locations. Although these are important components of force protection, force health protection goes much, much farther. The 305th Force Health Management Element and Immunizations Clinic (1-866-DRS-APPT or (609) 754-9209) will help you with self protective countermeasures. They understand the invisible weapon's capabilities and the bad guy's intent. Who is eligible? There are two categories of eligibility; mandatory and voluntary. Anthrax vaccination is mandatory for uniformed personnel, emergency essential and comparable U.S. government civilian employees and contractors deployed (or deploying within 60 days) to U.S. CENTCOM or Korea area of responsibility for 15 or more consecutive days. It is also mandatory for certain uniformed personnel assigned to special units, such as forward deployed forces, and units with bio defense related missions. Those who are eligible will be required to get the vaccination after Monday. Anthrax vaccination is voluntary for uniformed and civilian personnel no longer deployed to U.S. CENTCOM or Korea who have had at least one dose of Anthrax vaccine and want to continue. Also for U.S. government civilian employees and contractors not in the mandatory group and family members of DoD personnel in U.S. CENTCOM or Korea for 15 or more consecutive days. How many shots will I receive? The FDA-approved Anthrax vaccine is given in a six- dose series over 18 months, plus annual boosters. You should not get a dose earlier than your due date. The good news is if you started the Anthrax series and had doses delayed you do not need to start over. Instead, you will simply pick up where you left off. The protection of each additional dose builds on the immune response to earlier doses. There are exceptions for some who should not get the vaccine or who should wait. Please read the tri-fold, "What you need to know about Anthrax vaccine" at www.anthrax.mil and talk with our medical professionals if you have questions. What about side effects and long term effects? Side effects of the Anthrax vaccine are generally mild and similar to other vaccines. Local site reactions like burning upon injection, redness, swelling and a lump under the skin that resolves over several weeks may occur. Reactions such as headache or fever are less common. Long term side effects have been studied since the vaccine was approved 35 years ago and no patterns of long term health problems have been identified due to Anthrax vaccination. Commanders and supervisors must lead by example. The threats are real at home and at deployed locations. Ensure you and your personnel receive their immunizations on time. You wouldn't deploy without a flak vest, helmet and chemical gear -- all forms of force protection. If you are preparing to deploy, just returned, or received individual medical readiness notifications, take timely action to protect yourself and your wingmen. Remember, one outbreak or even one case could have serious effects on the mission, unit morale and national security. Don't let the bad guy or invisible enemy win. Make sure you and your personnel review your shot records. Please call the 305th Force Health Management Element and Immunizations Clinic at (609) 754-9209 for more information. Let's all work together to protect you and your wingman!