Misawa Anthrax vaccinations to resume March 19 Published March 1, 2007 By Master Sgt. Brad Sprague 35th Fighter Wing public affairs MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Under the direction of the Deputy Secretary of Defense, the mandatory Anthrax Vaccination Immunization Program will resume here March 19. The deputy secretary directed the immunization program to resume across the Department of Defense in October 2006. "The Anthrax threat is real and it's deadly if breathed in," said Lt. Col. Kevin P. Connolly, commander of the 35th Aerospace Medicine Squadron. "The Anthrax vaccination is very effective and offers a layer of protection. "Studies have shown that it (the Anthrax vaccine) is about 97 percent effective against breathed-in or Inhalational Anthrax," said the colonel. Reports on www.anthrax.mil, state there are three types of Anthrax infection: Cutaneous (skin) Anthrax can occur when bacteria enter a break in the skin; Gastrointestinal (stomach) Anthrax can occur when eating raw or undercooked contaminated meat; and Inhalational Anthrax can occur when inhaling as few as 5,000-6,000 anthrax spores -- perhaps in a single deep breath. According to guidance released by the Air Force, the mandatory Anthrax vaccinations will be limited to individuals serving in high-threat areas for a specified length of time to include emergency-essential and comparable DoD civilian employees, and certain mission-essential contractor personnel performing essential services. The new AVIP policy also allows for certain personnel, not subject to mandatory vaccinations, to voluntarily receive the Anthrax vaccine. "Once you leave that high-threat area, you may stop receiving the vaccinations, and you are then placed in 'voluntary' status," Colonel Connolly said. The Air Force report also stresses the safety of the vaccine. It goes on to say that it's just as safe as other vaccinations, and is approved by the Food and Drug Administration. "There are six shots in the series," said the colonel. "The initial vaccination, then in two weeks, four weeks, six months, 12 months, and 18 months." Colonel Connolly said after Airmen complete the series they just need an annual booster to keep themselves up to date. According to Colonel Connolly, identifying Misawa personnel leaving for the upcoming Air Expeditionary Force cycle is "something we will be working in the coming weeks. The plan is to identify and notify all those people." The colonel said the vaccinations will be part of the normal pre-deployment process. Airmen can review and verify their status on the AEF online Web site https://aefcenter.afpc.randolph.af.mil/, and click on the link "Deployment Information," then go to "Personal Deployment Preparedness." After you login your status will be displayed, including any immunizations currently required in the "Actions Needs List."