Policy change to administration of anthrax vaccine Published Dec. 29, 2008 By Rich Essary 75 Air Base Wing Public Affairs HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- Good news for Airmen with an aversion to shots. The DoD just changed its policy for administering the anthrax vaccine. The total number of doses in the initial series has been reduced from six to five and the method for administering the vaccine will now be intramuscular; something medical experts say will cause less discomfort at the injection site. The old schedule, which included an initial vaccination followed by shots at two weeks, four weeks, six months, 12 months and 18 months, has been modified to eliminate the shot given at two weeks. "Effective immediately, the requirement for the second shot in the anthrax series is being eliminated," said Lt. Col. Brad Winterton, 75th Aerospace Medicine Squadron's public health flight commander. "Additionally, the data shows that injection into the muscle of the arm, rather than under the skin, dramatically reduces the number of localized reactions. The policy change stems from a recent FDA-approved modification to the anthrax vaccination schedule based on research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Researchers found that reducing number of doses in the series from six doses to five over an 18 month period provided the same benefit of protection against anthrax disease. "This change does not alter the DoD policy for the Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program," said Winterton. "Nor does it change the population being vaccinated or any other previous requirements of the program." Airmen who complete the anthrax series will still require an annual booster to remain current. Anthrax immunization is mandatory for Airmen and emergency-essential civilians deploying to specific high-threat areas - primarily the Central Command area of responsibility and the Korean peninsula. Other mandatory recipients are units designated as early deployers to the Korean peninsula, special units with bio warfare- or bio terrorism-related missions, and special units with an approved exception to policy. Anthrax immunization is voluntary for all other Airmen who have previously begun the anthrax series, and also for non-emergency civilian deployers and their adult family members going to the Central Command area of responsibility or the Korean peninsula. "Weaponized anthrax remains a serious threat to many of our Airmen who deploy around the globe," said Winterton. "The anthrax vaccine is just one more way to keep our Airmen safe and ensure we're ready to serve when called upon." For more information on the anthrax program go to http://www.anthrax.mil or http://www.vaccines.army.mil.