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Command implements smallpox vaccination plan

January 31, 2003

By Tech. Sgt. Scott Leas
Air Mobility Command Public Affairs

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (AMCNS) -- Air Mobility Command is taking every precaution to ensure its people deploying into harm's way are protected from one of the Department of Defense's newest perceived threats, smallpox.

While smallpox as a disease has long been eradicated through vaccination, experts in chemical-biological warfare have recently identified it as a potential threat. As the Air Force and AMC continue efforts in the Global War on Terrorism, emerging threats such as smallpox require a new measure of force protection.

"Smallpox is contagious, deadly and would disrupt mission, mission readiness and capability," said Gen. John W. Handy, Air Mobility Command commander. "The health and safety of our people, especially those at great risk, are our top concerns."

The Centers for Disease Control says surveillance and containment, not mass vaccination, are the best methods of control. Therefore, the Air Force and AMC are only targeting for vaccination military people most likely to be threatened by smallpox infection.

"We are trying to limit the vaccination, not expand it," said Maj. Gen. Roger A. Brady, director of operations for AMC, who heads the command's task force to develop and implement a vaccination plan. "In addition to vaccinating those deploying into the theater of operation in support of U.S. Central Command, we will focus on those AMC and AMC-gained people who administer the vaccine. Medical professionals who have a high risk of exposure to the disease, such as smallpox medical teams and aeromedical evacuation crews, critical care air transport teams and aeromedical staging facility people will also receive the vaccine."

Since aeromedical evacuation can be performed on nearly all AMC aircraft, the command plans to vaccinate selected aircrews, including Raven security forces, and other mission critical people. In addition, a small number of mortuary affairs professionals will also be targeted. This plan protects AMC's people most at risk of exposure and the command's capability to continue mobility operations in support of the combatant commander, according to Brady.

"The smallpox vaccine is effective, but requires that some precautions be taken," said Brady. "One of our concerns is that it will leave some people feeling like they have a mild case of the flu. Consequently, we'll pay close attention to when we administer the vaccine to reduce the chance that they would have to endure side effects while traveling."

After establishing a base-level Smallpox Vaccination Program Development Team, bases will also make sure the vaccination program is done in stages, so that not everyone in one area is affected at one time and that the mission is not impaired.

Expected reactions from the vaccine are a blister at the vaccination site, which later forms a scab. Other effects include itching at the vaccination site, fatigue, mild fever, headache or muscle ache.

"Some people assigned to MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., were vaccinated last week and we've had no significant complications there, but we want to take every precaution for our people," said Brig. Gen. Charles B. Green, AMC's command surgeon.

Green explained conservative screening would reduce chances of complications. "We're trying to prevent our people from unnecessarily having any adverse reaction to the vaccine or cause undue exposure of the vaccine virus to family and co-workers through those vaccinated."

Also, adequate time must be given for those who receive the vaccine to be examined by medical professionals to ensure vaccination "take" similar to receiving a tuberculosis skin test to ensure the individual has an appropriate response. AMC policy is more restrictive than Air Force, requiring medics to assess vaccine "take" and document accordingly.

People will receive the vaccination preferably 30 days before they are deployed. Those who have less than fifteen days before deployment will receive the vaccine at their deployment location. vReasons for people being screened-out for pre-deployment vaccination are numerous and include those people who:

- have eczema or atopic dermatitis

- have skin conditions that cause breaks in the skin

- have a weakened immune system

- are under the age of 18

- have specific life-threatening allergic reactions

- are mothers who are breastfeeding

- use steroid drops in their eyes

- are moderately or severely ill at time of scheduled vaccination

Command officials also provided clarification for those who are not vaccinated before they deploy. People who screen-out because of medical contraindications of their household contacts will receive the vaccination in theater. Those who have contraindications will still be deployed without the vaccination. Being vaccinated within 72 hours after exposure to smallpox can still protect them.