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DOD implements new anthrax program

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman John Gordinier
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  The Department of Defense recently implemented a new Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program, which mandates Airmen and specific categories of U.S. government employees and contractors deploying or assigned to locations on the Korean peninsula or within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, for 15 or more consecutive days, to receive the anthrax vaccination.

Shaw implemented the new Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program, or AVIP, in early April.

"Before this new implementation came out, the anthrax vaccination was purely voluntary, no matter where you deployed," said Col. Charles Corpman, 20th Fighter Wing special assistant to the commander. "Now, it is mandatory if you are deploying to the Korean peninsula or within the USCENTCOM AOR area."

AVIP still provides specific members the choice if they want to receive the vaccination even if they are not deploying to a high-threat environment, Colonel Corpman said. To receive the vaccination voluntarily, the member must have received at least one dose of the vaccination during 1998 or later.

The vaccine is safe and effective, but the threat from anthrax is real and deadly, the colonel said. The vaccination offers a layer of protection, in addition to antibiotics and other measures, that is critical for members of the armed forces.

What is anthrax?

According to the DOD Anthrax Web site, www.anthrax.mil, anthrax is a disease caused by bacteria called bacillus anthracis. The bacteria cause three types of disease: skin, gastrointestinal and inhalation. A person can inhale anthrax spores and not even know it. Inhalation anthrax is the most deadly form of anthrax. It is more than 99 percent fatal if untreated.

The anthrax vaccination includes seven doses over a period of 18 months. However, the DoD AVIP goal is to provide people at least three doses prior to departure, Colonel Corpman said. The Airmen will get a dose approximately four weeks prior to departing, two weeks prior to departing and a few days prior to departing. All people within the specific categories that deploy or arrive upon assignment will continue receiving doses at their deployed or assigned locations.

"Airmen can receive the anthrax vaccination at the immunizations clinic," said Tech. Sgt. Tracey Sankey, 20th Aeromedical-Dental Squadron medical technician. "Also, no appointment is necessary, we accept walk-ins."

For more information on anthrax, go to www.anthrax.mil and www.vaccines.mil.