NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Anthrax shots are mandatory again, according to "Implementation of the Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program" memo signed by the Under Secretary of Defense, Personnel and Readiness, Dec. 6, 2006.
Dr. David S. Chu's memo makes anthrax vaccinations mandatory for military personnel, emergency and mission-essential Department of Defense civilians, and contractors serving for more than 15 consecutive days in either Korea or U.S. Central Command.
Nellis AFB leadership has already partnered with medics at the Mike O'Callaghan Federal Hospital to implement the program with the goal of maintaining a 90 percent completion rate for those required to receive the shot.
Military and civilian personnel who have been vaccinated prior to assignment to Korea or deployment to USCENTCOM may opt to continue the vaccination series even after their tour of duty is over. Additionally, the vaccine is available by request to U.S. government civilian employees and U.S. citizen contractors serving in Korea or USCENTCOM but not considered emergency-essential, and adult family members 18-65 years of age accompanying DoD military or U.S. civilian and contractor personnel for 15 or more consecutive days to Korea or USCENTCOM.
The anthrax vaccine has been licensed to prevent anthrax since November 1970 by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States. During this period, the anthrax vaccine has been safely administered to veterinarians, laboratory workers and livestock handlers. Since March 1998, more than 5.2 million doses have been given to more than 1.3 million DoD personnel.
There are three types of anthrax infections: cutaneous, gastrointestinal and inhalation. Inhalation anthrax can occur when inhaling as few as 5,000-6,000 anthrax spores (6,000 spores can fit on the head of a pin). Initial symptoms may develop in one to six days and resemble the common cold or flu, including sore throat, mild fever, muscle aches and tiredness. Mild symptoms can progress very rapidly after a few days to severe breathing problems and shock. If left untreated, the death rate exceeds 99 percent. Even when treated aggressively in a state-of-the-art hospital center, once severe symptoms develop, 45-80 percent of patients would die. In contrast, laboratory studies have shown 95 percent of monkeys who received one or two doses of anthrax vaccine remained healthy after being exposed to inhalation anthrax. However, even though antibodies may develop in the blood after a couple of shots, the entire six-shot series is needed for full protection.
The threat to personnel from anthrax is very real. Because of its deadliness, inhalation anthrax is also the most likely type of biological agent U.S. adversaries may choose to weaponize and use against U.S. personnel.
Although many servicemembers experience temporary pain or soreness at the injection site, most individuals experience no significant reaction. The anthrax vaccine series consists of six shots, the first three given at two-week intervals, and the following three at the six, 12 and 18 month marks. Following the initial six-shot series, members only require annual boosters.
Commanders, unit deployment managers and the travel management office must work with the medics to ensure all people deploying to USCENTCOM and Korea receive the first three doses prior to departure. This means Airmen need to start shots 60 days prior to departure.
In December 2005, the FDA issued a final ruling, declaring the vaccine was found to be safe and effective against all forms of anthrax, including inhalation. Getting the vaccine helps with your personal protection.
Anthrax attacks can occur anywhere. Anthrax spores make a lethal weapon and can be inhaled without being noticed.
Vaccination is the only around-the-clock protection available for service members against this threat. Antibiotics do work after exposure, but cannot be given over a long period of time. Nuclear, biological and chemical masks also provide a level of protection if ample warning is available and people are prepared.
For more information about the vaccine and policy, visit the Military Vaccine Agency at www.anthrax.mil or www.vaccines.mil. For additional information, contact the immunizations clinic at (702) 653-2410 or public health at (702) 653-3351.