e. Expiration. Immunizing agents will not be used beyond the stated expiration
dates unless authorized in writing by the Surgeon General.
All live vaccines, containers, syringes, and so forth are infectious waste and a
potential hazard. The only safe methods of disposal are burning, boiling, or autoclaving
(an autoclave is an apparatus for sterilizing by steam under pressure). Containers of
killed vaccines should be discarded in accordance with local standing operating
procedure (SOP).
Section VII. IMMUNIZATIONS REQUIRED FOR FOREIGN TRAVEL
1-20. INTRODUCTION
The World Health Organization (WHO) has adopted International Health
Regulations (IHR), the purpose being to ensure maximum security against the
international spread of diseases and at the same time ensure a minimum of interference
with people traveling throughout the world.
1-21. U.S. ARMY IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS FOR FOREIGN TRAVEL
a. Smallpox. In 1980, the World Health Organization declared that smallpox
had been eradicated on a global basis. There is no evidence of smallpox being
transmitted anywhere in the world. Therefore, smallpox is no longer a required
vaccination. Previously, for the military, a smallpox vaccination has been required for
those going to Benin, Chad, Ojiboati, Lesotho, Mali, Rhodesia, and Democratic
Kampuchea. The immunization is valid for five years starting eight days after the first
injection.
b. Cholera. A few countries require cholera immunization before a person
enters the country. The immunization is valid for six months starting six days after the
first injection.
c. Yellow Fever. It is recommended that persons traveling to all countries
currently reporting yellow fever be vaccinated. There are areas of South America, sub-
Saharan Africa, and a few African countries where yellow fever is prevalent. The
immunization is valid for ten years starting ten days after the injection.
d. Recommendation. Be sure immunizations for yellow fever and cholera are
current when you are traveling overseas. The dates for those immunizations will be
checked.
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