Immunization of the troops is a prudent action. The immunization program will consist of a series of six inoculations per service member over an 18-month period, followed by an annual booster. After a careful review, I have concluded that vaccination against anthrax is a safe, prudent force protection measure, Cohen said. He and Shelton have both started the anthrax vaccination program with their first shots. As an additional force protection measure, anthrax exposure can be treated with antibiotics before symptoms occur.
Antibiotics are in place with forces in the region in sufficient quantities.
Medical force protection measures include force education, health risk assessment and joint medical surveillance. Additionally, every service member deploys with a full ensemble of NBC protective equipment. United States forces in the Gulf operate with forces from a number of other countries. While it is the responsibility of each of these countries to determine how they will protect their forces against chemical and biological threats, DOD will be working with allies and coalition nations as they seek to meet their medical needs. The United Kingdom is also announcing its own vaccination program on March 3.