Anthrax program now underway

Published May 14, 2007
By Staff Report

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- The Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program is under way at Barksdale and soon Airmen will gain protection from a lethal threat.

The Deputy Secretary of Defense reinstated the program for active duty personnel, emergency essential civilians and mission essential contractors assigned to the Korean Peninsula or U.S. Central Command or on temporary duty for 15 or more consecutive days.

In January, the Air Force launched an implementation plan for all major commands. Barksdale has its own AVIP. Col. Daniel Charchian, 2d Bomb Wing commander, directed the formation of the AVIP Implementation Team and has named Lt. Col. Mark Maryak, 20th Bomb Squadron Commander, to lead the team.

"Education is vital to this program. We need to get the word out that this is a safe and effective immunization, just like all the other shots we get," Colonel Maryak said.

Colonel Charchian directed all group and squadron commanders to brief their units on the AVIP program by April 20.

"The anthrax vaccine provides a vital layer of protection to this deadly and real threat to our Airmen," Colonel Charchian said.

The Barksdale goal is 100 percent vaccination of all designated personnel prior to departure.