Vaccinations at the 'Tip of the Spear'
Story Number: NNS030224-04
Release Date: 2/24/2003 6:48:00 AM
By Journalist 3rd Class Chad Runge, USS Constellation Public Affairs
ABOARD USS CONSTELLATION, At Sea (NNS) -- As the threat of biological, radiological and chemical warfare becomes significant throughout the world today, USS Constellation (CV 64) has begun to take action.
Though training to defend the ship from such attacks has been an ongoing effort for 'America's Flagship,' they are bringing back an age-old precaution to further protect the crew from harm.
A short time ago, the U.S. government set up a program that would give certain military personnel and first responders to receive the smallpox vaccination.
The injections were discontinued to the American public by the early 1980s and to military personnel in 1984 because the threat of a smallpox outburst was no longer deemed realistic. Due to ongoing world events, President George W. Bush decided smallpox vaccinations for critical personnel was a valid precaution against attack.
"Smallpox is a serious disease, and we know that our enemies are trying to inflict serious harm," said Bush in a December 2002 press conference. "Yet, there is no evidence that smallpox imminently threatens this country."
Constellation recently became the first deployed carrier to begin the vaccination of 100 percent of the Sailors and Marines embarked on the deployed warship. Roughly 1,000 mission-essential personnel have already received their vaccination, starting with chief petty officers, officers, medical, laundry and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) personnel.
"The process of deciding who would be vaccinated first took a lot of thought," said the ship's surgeon, Lt. Jeffery Apple. "Medical and dental personnel were vaccinated first, so in case of an outbreak, they would be safe while caring for patients."
Smallpox is an extremely infectious disease.
"Quite possibly the easiest way to be infected, unknowingly, is through handling laundry," he added. "So, we vaccinated laundry handlers and MWR personnel. Chiefs and officers were also vaccinated, because we thought they could set the example for their junior Sailors. If there were any questions, Sailors will be able to go to their leaders that have already received the vaccine."
Receiving the smallpox vaccination is unlike most methods used for other vaccinations. The vaccine, vacinnia, is not injected through a needle. Rather, it is put on the point of a needle and inserted into flesh either three or 15 times. People whom have yet to receive the vaccine in their lifetime will receive three pokes, while others requiring a booster will receive 15.
The smallpox vaccination also has a different reaction than most other vaccinations.
"Three to four days after receiving the vaccine, a raised bump will appear that's often very itchy," Apple said. "At about the one week mark, a raised postule will arise, filled with fluid. A few days later, it will turn to a scab and eventually fall off."
Because of the rare reaction, Sailors must take more care of the site than they normally would once they receive the vaccine. A detailed screening form identified embarked personnel that the vaccine may cause a health risk to.
Side effects of the vaccine are commonly shown in people with immunodeficiency, skin conditions such as psoriasis, and pregnant or nursing mothers.
"It's easy for the vaccine to cause problems to people with any kind of open sores," Apple said. "If the vaccine is spread, it can be very hard to treat. There is no immunity in these areas."
According to Apple, wearing a T-shirt at night will help protect recipients. Due to the itchy sensation, it is common to scratch the site at night. A T-shirt should also be worn during any kind of exercise, and machines should be wiped off with a towel and thoroughly cleaned on a regular basis.
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