Defense Department to resume anthrax vaccinations

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WASHINGTON (AFPN) --  The Department of Defense will resume its Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program, officials said May 3.

A memorandum signed April 29 allows military commanders to resume the vaccination program using the emergency use authorization conditions issued by the Food and Drug Administration on Jan. 27, 2005.

The program requires commanders to follow EUA conditions very carefully, providing members of the armed services both education on the program and an option to refuse the vaccination without penalty.

This significant step allows the department to resume this vital protection measure for servicemembers who are at increased risk of exposure to anthrax attack, said Dr. William Winkenwerder, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs.

On April 6, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia granted the government’s motion to modify the court's AVIP injunction against mandatory anthrax vaccination from Oct. 27, 2004.

Once vaccinations begin, DOD will provide an education and information program, including an FDA-approved brochure, to inform potential vaccine recipients and healthcare providers that FDA has authorized the emergency use of anthrax vaccine to prevent inhalation anthrax. People will also be informed about the vaccine’s benefits and side effects before they are asked to decide about vaccination.

For the most part, vaccinations during the period of the EUA will be limited to military units designated for homeland bioterrorism defense and to U.S. forces assigned to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility and Korea.