a. Immunizations.
The Army requires all its healthy military personnel to be actively immunized against diseases such as typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, poliomyelitis, and influenza.
Individuals traveling or assigned to certain areas may be required to be immunized against yellow fever, cholera, plague, or other diseases.
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Upon initial induction, recruits are also given the following vaccines–adenovirus (types 4 and 7), meningococcal (types A and C), rubella, rubeola, and TB skin hypersensitivity testing. AR 40-562 gives details of requirements, dosages, and administration. Additional information on immunizations and immunizing agents may be found in TB MED 114.
Copies of these two publications governing the administration of immunization to members of the Armed Forces and their dependents must be kept readily available at all locations where immunizing agents are administered. Every medical specialist who gives immunizations must read and be very familiar with the contents of these directives.
b. Intervals.
The intervals for giving immunizations are prescribed in AR 40-562. They are minimum intervals and must never be shortened. If a series is interrupted before completion, it should not be started again but should be completed by giving the remaining injections, regardless of time lapse. If a period longer than that prescribed between stimulating (booster) doses has elapsed, the initial series is not repeated.
Once a basic series is completed, it need not be repeated because a stimulating dose is adequate; the single, small booster dose renews the production of antibodies to an effective immunizing level.
c. Immunization Record (SF 601).
The Immunization Record (SF 601) form is prepared (in an original copy only) for all military personnel when the initial series of immunizations is given. All immunizations are recorded on this form and kept in the health record. It is the official record of an individual’s immunizations and related data and the source of information for completing the Immunization Certificate.
d. Immunization Certificate.
A Public Health Service Certificate (International Certificate of Vaccination, PHS Form 731) is prepared for all individuals receiving immunizations. Military personnel must carry this form when performing international travel. Nonmilitary personnel retain PHS Form 731 as their official record of immunizations received.