VHC continues to focus on vaccine safety Published Sept. 19, 2006 By Master Sgt. Kimberly Spencer 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AETCNS) -- The Department of Defense Vaccine Healthcare Center network, which celebrates its fifth year this month, reminds Air Force beneficiaries of the many services the network offers. "The VHC network provides consultation, education and adverse event reporting services," said Army Col. (Dr.) Renata Engler, the Department of Defense Vaccine Healthcare Center director for the regional office located here. The primary focus of the network is to enhance vaccine safety, efficacy and acceptability. "Vaccines are the most important medical intervention of the last century," said Dr. David Hrncir, medical director for the office. "Next to sanitation and clean drinking water, vaccines are the reason our country is safe from many infectious diseases." Although vaccines are usually safe, some adverse reactions do happen. When they do, military beneficiaries need to contact their healthcare physician or regional VHC office. "Vaccines may cause side effects such as itching, burning, redness or puffiness at the site of the injection. Other side effects may include weakness, fever, headache, joint pain or body aches. These effects tend to go away quickly and can usually be treated with over-the-counter medication such as Tylenol," said Tom Rampy, a VHC health educator here. "We get involved when there are more serious adverse events and longer lasting side effects that may contribute to disability, loss of work or hospitalization." The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention created a Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System as a method of monitoring adverse events. Anyone suspecting or experiencing a serious problem after receiving a vaccination can complete a report. "If a patient is unsure about making a report, they should consult their healthcare provider," Mr. Rampy said. Medical exemptions can be given by healthcare providers to individuals who have experienced adverse events after vaccines, or when a serious condition is suspected as attributed to a vaccine. The exemption stays in the medical records and prevents against receiving that vaccine again unless an individual is exposed to that particular disease and the vaccine is the only way to provide effective treatment. The VHC network has several ongoing research projects concerning adverse events surrounding smallpox and anthrax. For information, or to participate in the programs, call the Walter Reed Army Medical Center point of contact at 202-782-8429/9472/6848 (DSN 662). All clinical findings will be part of a larger surveillance system that ensures the safety and efficacy of vaccines. The VHC offers outreach and education on vaccines and vaccine-related adverse events for both healthcare providers and servicemembers at www.vhcinfo.org. Medical contact hours/continuing medical education credit, under Project Immune Readiness, can also be found on that site. There are approximately 22 different modules on various vaccines that are frequently updated as new information becomes available. "The VHC can also provide second opinions to healthcare providers and DoD beneficiaries alike, whenever necessary," said Mr. Rampy. Healthcare providers and all DOD beneficiaries are invited to utilize the one-access-to-care point via the secure Web site at https://askvhc.wramc.amedd.army.mil, the confidential DoD Clinical Call Center at 1-866-210-6469, or by visiting any of the four regional sites. The centers are located at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., which is the national headquarters; Fort Bragg, N.C.; Lackland Air Force Base; and Portsmouth Naval Medical Center, Va. The network was established in 2001 in response to a congressional mandate between the DOD and the CDC and Prevention office to provide a clinical vaccine safety program for the military. All four sites provide expert consultative services for vaccine adverse events case management and reporting, research in vaccine safety and quality assurance and healthcare provider/patient education and training programs worldwide enhancing warrior care, emergency preparedness and military readiness of the DOD. "These past five years have only substantiated the great need for vaccine surveillance, monitoring, reporting and education," Dr. Hrncir said. "The VHC network has not only met all challenges, but far exceeded expectations." More information about the VAERS Program can be found on the VAERS Web site at http://www.vaers.org, the Food and Drug Administration's Web site at http://www.fda.gov/cber/vaers/vaers.htm and the CDC and Prevention Web site at http://www.cdc.gov/nip.