fact-sheet

What Vaccinations Are U.S. Military Personnel Required To Take?

The Department of Defense (DoD) mandates a range of vaccinations for U.S. military personnel to protect against various infectious diseases. These requirements are outlined in the Joint Instruction on Immunizations and Chemoprophylaxis, issued in 2013. The vaccines required or recommended depend on factors such as military occupation, location of deployment, and specific mission requirements.

Mandatory Vaccinations for All Military Personnel

  • Adenovirus: Vaccination against adenovirus types 4 and 7, which can cause respiratory illness.
  • Hepatitis A: Provides protection against Hepatitis A, a liver infection transmitted through contaminated food or water.
  • Hepatitis B: Protects against Hepatitis B, a liver infection spread through blood and other bodily fluids.
  • Influenza: Annual vaccination to protect against the seasonal influenza virus.
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR): A combined vaccine protecting against these three viral infections.
  • Meningococcal: Protects against meningococcal disease, which can cause meningitis and other serious infections.
  • Poliovirus: Provides immunity against polio, a viral disease that can cause paralysis.
  • Tetanus-Diphtheria: A combined vaccine to protect against tetanus and diphtheria.
  • Varicella (Chickenpox): Immunization against varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox.

Vaccinations Based on Risk and Occupational Requirements

Some vaccines are administered or recommended based on specific risks associated with certain occupations, missions, or deployment locations.

  • Anthrax: Administered to personnel at risk of exposure to anthrax.
  • COVID-19: Vaccination required to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
  • Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib): Recommended for personnel with certain medical conditions.
  • Japanese Encephalitis: Recommended for those deployed to regions where the disease is endemic.
  • Pneumococcal: Administered to personnel with specific health conditions.
  • Rabies: Given to those at risk of rabies exposure.
  • Smallpox: Recommended for personnel who may be exposed to the smallpox virus.
  • Typhoid Fever: Recommended for deployment to areas where typhoid fever is common.
  • Yellow Fever: Required for deployment to regions where yellow fever is endemic.

Additional Vaccinations for Specific Deployment Areas

In certain situations, additional vaccinations may be necessary for personnel assigned to regions with high disease transmission risk.

  • Cholera: Administered when deployed to areas where cholera is endemic.
  • Plague: Recommended for personnel at risk in plague-endemic areas.
  • Rabies: Additional doses may be administered based on the risk of exposure.
  • Varicella: Given to those who have not received the vaccine during initial training or lack immunity.
  • Tick-Borne Encephalitis: Recommended for deployment to regions where the disease is prevalent.

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