BACKGROUND:
The Department of Defense (DoD) Military Vaccine Agency (MILVAX) is the organization responsible for implementing the directives of the Biodefense Vaccination Program Executive Agent (Secretary of the Army). The current programs include the Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program (AVIP) and the Smallpox Vaccination Program (SVP).

OBJECTIVE:
To provide military leaders, health care providers, and service members an update on current and future biodefense vaccination programs.

METHOD:
Slide presentation, followed by questions and answers.

RESULT:
All attendees will receive current information on policies, achievements, and future direction of the DoD biodefense vaccination programs.

CONCLUSION:
With policy and products changing to meet the current and projected threat, it is imperative that all healthcare providers, leaders, and biodefense program mangers have updated information, and a forum to discuss program successes, challenges, and issues.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1) Attendees will gain knowledge of the MILVAX program to include the education tools, resources and capabilities that are available to all stakeholders.
2) Attendees will gain knowledge regarding the history, risk and threat that both anthrax and smallpox present in the 21st Century.
3) Attendees will gain clinical understanding of the aspects, safety and effectiveness of the anthrax and smallpox vaccines.
4) Attendees will gain an understanding of the highly effective methods and safeguards for shipping and monitoring the vaccines worldwide.