NEWS RELEASE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office Scott AFB IL 62225-5004

Phone: (618) 256-4241/4206 FAX: (618) 256-8837

May 2, 2002 Release No. 01-04-02

SCOTT AFB REINITIATES ITS ANTHRAX VACCINE IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM (AVIP) SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. – The immunization clinic of the 375th Medical Group will begin administering the Anthrax vaccine to designated Scott Air Force Base personnel Oct. 28. The local re-initiation of the program is in compliance with the Air Force Anthrax Vaccine Implementation Plan, distributed to commanders Oct. 11. The AVIP was expanded to include Category II personnel. They include military members, emergencyessential Department of Defense civilians and specified contractors assigned or deployed to designated higherthreat areas for more than 15 consecutive days. Individuals who fall within Category II will be notified of their need for the vaccine. The Food and Drug Administration has determined that the current anthrax vaccine is safe and effective in protecting against all forms of the anthrax infection. For more information, contact the 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs office at (618) 256-4241 or (618) 256-3025.

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