Anthrax vaccination program reinstated Published April 4, 2007 MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- Recent Defense Department changes prompted some Airmen here to begin the Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program as part of an Air Force wide move to protect selected people against this biological threat. Airmen, emergency-essential and comparable Department of Defense civilian employees and certain contractors deploying for more than 15 consecutive days to the Central Command area of responsibility and Korea need to begin the immunization program no earlier than 60 days prior to deploying, said Master Sgt. William J. Cisna, 366th Medical Operations Squadron. There are 50 to 60 Airmen expected to begin the program in the near future, the sergeant added. Others not required to receive the vaccine or family members accompanying those assigned to these high-threat areas for 15 or more consecutive days can volunteer to join the vaccination program. The vaccinations can continue for people no longer assigned to the area if they remain a member of the armed forces or maintain a civilian employee or contractor status. Airmen who received at least one vaccination since 1998 can also elect to complete the series whether they are assigned to a high-threat area or not. In cases where bases interrupted the program, people don't have to restart the series but will resume where they left off, added Sergeant Cisna. "Education is the huge thing right now, and all active duty Airmen will be briefed regarding the program," said the sergeant. The six-dose series complies with the Food and Drug Administration guidelines and includes annual boosters. The FDA issued a final order finding that the Anthrax Vaccine Absorbed, or AVA, safely and effectively protects against all routes of exposure to anthrax spores. For more information go online to www.anthrax.mil or www.vaccines.army.mil.