Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program continues Published Aug. 25, 2006 By Megan Orton Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AETCNS) -- Air Force officials here have announced the continuation of the voluntary anthrax vaccine immunization program following a Final Rule and Final Order issued Dec. 15 by the Food and Drug Administration. "The Final Rule and Order licenses anthrax vaccine absorbed (AVA) for the prevention of anthrax, regardless of the route of exposure," according to Mr. Olaf Stoll, Headquarters Air Education and Training Command Surgeon General Military Vaccination Program senior Air Force analyst. The FDA, after reviewing extensive scientific evidence and carefully considering comments from the public, has determined AVA to be safe and not misbranded, and effective in preventing infection by inhalation or other types of exposure to anthrax bacteria. According to a memorandum from the Assistant Secretary of Defense, until directed otherwise, all services have been directed to resume AVIP as authorized in April 2005. These requirements specify DoD personnel have the option to refuse the vaccination without fear of disciplinary action, loss of deployment opportunity, penalty or loss of entitlement. Only personnel deploying to Central Command locations or the Republic of Korea, or members of special designation units, are eligible for the vaccine. At this time, 50 percent of DoD personnel eligible for the vaccine have accepted it, Mr. Stoll said. The regulatory action passed Dec. 15 supersedes previous rulings including an injunction filed in October 2004 by the District of Columbia U.S. District Court placing AVIP on hold due to questions about the completeness of the FDA's approval process. "The safety of the vaccine was not a factor in the injunction," Mr. Stoll said. "The legal premise of the injunction was that the FDA had not followed procedure by allowing a 90-day public comment period with its initial Final Rule and Order to include prevention of inhalation anthrax in December 2003." The U.S. Department of Defense began vaccinating for anthrax in March 1998, according to a report issued by the Office of the Army Surgeon General. New policy options are now under review by the DoD for the future of AVIP. "The Department of Defense is closely reviewing current policies and evaluating the best course of action for force protection," Mr. Stoll said. More information on AVIP can be found at http://www.anthrax.mil.