DoD reimplements anthrax program Published April 12, 2007 By By Staff Sgt. Tammie Moore 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, GERMANY -- The Department of Defense has re-implemented the Anthrax Vaccine Immunizations Program to provide servicemembers with a safe and effective form of protection against the real and deadly threat of Anthrax. The primary objective of the AVIP re-implementation is to educate the Airmen about the Anthrax threat and the immunization process. "The Anthrax vaccine ended up the subject of a lot of rumor, court battles and legal reviews," said Col. Thomas Feldhausen, 52nd Fighter Wing vice commander and AVIP team chairman. "There has been a lot of bad publicity." To combat the bad reputation given to the Anthrax vaccine the 52nd Medical Group is leading the charge in a base education program. All military and civilian air and space expeditionary force 7/8 deployers who have been notified they are going to Central Command or those who have orders to Korea for 15 days or more are required to be briefed by their chain of command about the Anthrax vaccine prior to being vaccinated. The briefing highlights topics such as what anthrax is; the Oct. 2001 Anthrax attacks in the U.S. which targeted Americans in Florida, New York, New Jersey, Washington DC, and Connecticut; and Web sites to visit for more information. "It is all about education to make sure people have the facts," Colonel Feldhausen said. "The reality is that people still have lingering concerns, now we are stepping away from the rumors to understand the facts. Being vaccinated is like armoring up; it is like putting on body amour that provides protection internally." The Food and Drug Administration has licensed the Anthrax vaccine for prevention of anthrax disease for all types of exposure including skin, ingestion and inhalation. The Spangdahlem AB Immunizations Clinic is transitioning to the mandatory Anthrax vaccination program, said Tech. Sgt. Terri Elftmann, 52nd Medical Operations Squadron NCOIC Allergy/Immunization Clinic. "Any member deploying to a high threat area will be required to receive the vaccine staring Monday." The Anthrax vaccination series consist of scheduled doses at weeks zero, two and four followed by doses at six, 12 and 18 months. The goal is have to 90 percent of scheduled AEF 7/8 vaccinated with their first dose of the series by the end of April. After this time frame, annual booster doses can be given to those who have already begun their series. "Everyone tasked to travel to CENCOM or Korea for 15 days or more must have at least one shot completed by April 30," said Maj. Daryn Staley, 52nd MDOS medical AVIP OIC. It is preferable if these people have the first three by the time they get on the plane to deploy or travel. After the upcoming AEF deployers have received their vaccinations, servicemembers who began receiving the Anthrax vaccine series may resume the series where they left off. While most people do not experience adverse reactions from the shot series, common side effects include redness, swelling and itching at the site of the injection, Sergeant Elftmann said. "Lumps in the arm are common as well." If unusual symptoms or concerns do occur individuals should address them immediately with a physician or report to the emergency room or immunizations clinic, Major Straley said. The Immunizations Clinic is open Mondays through Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to noon and from 1-4:30 p.m. For more information about the Anthrax vaccination, call Sergeant Elftmann at 452-8382. To learn more online, visit www.anthrax.mil or www.vaccines.mil. To find information about clinical consultation or exemption assistance, visit www.vhcinfo.org.