The Defense Department is expanding its anthrax and smallpox
immunization programs following an evaluation by the
Military Health System. Dr. William Winkenwerder Jr.,
assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, announced
that the anthrax and smallpox vaccination programs would
include selected units within U.S. Pacific Command, U.S.
Central Command and other selected groups. The program
update will continue to include troops assigned in or
deployed to designated higher-threat areas for 15 or more
consecutive days. Officials also will offer the
vaccinations to family members in the geographic areas on
a voluntary basis. In addition, they will pursue
vaccination, subject to appropriate personnel and
contractor procedures, of emergency-essential civilian
employees and contractors in the specified geographic areas.
