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Research Paper

Attitudes towards vaccines and infectious disease risk among U.S. troops

Chad K. Porter, Michael J. Bowens, David R. Tribble, Shannon D. Putnam, John W. Sanders and Mark S. Riddle

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Deployed troops are frequently at risk for infectious diseases, especially in developing countries where these health threats are prevalent. While environmental controls and personal protective measures may reduce the risk of exposure, these are often insufficient or impractical in a deployed setting. Additionally, treatment subsequent to disease onset, when available, is often expensive, results in lost duty days prior to treatment, and does not prevent potential morbidity or mortality. Presently, vaccines are considered among the most cost-effective methods of disease prevention. Societal and military concerns about vaccine safety and efficacy may affect troop compliance with or willingness to receive vaccines, and have other potential adverse consequences in a compulsory vaccination environment.

Authors

Chad K. Porter

Naval Medical Research Center; Enteric Diseases Department; Silver Spring, Maryland USA

Michael J. Bowens

Naval Medical Research Center; Enteric Diseases Department; Silver Spring, Maryland USA

David R. Tribble

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences; Bethesda, Maryland USA

Shannon D. Putnam

Naval Medical Research Unit No. 2; Jakarta, Indonesia

John W. Sanders

Naval Medical Research Unit No. 3; Cairo, Egypt

Mark S. Riddle

Naval Medical Research Center; Enteric Diseases Department; Silver Spring, Maryland USA

Purchase article for $19

Subscribe to this journal for $79/year