This section provides information on ensuring good health after deployment and easing the readjustment into family and work life. It provides information on the use of medical screening and the Post Deployment Health Clinical Practice Guideline, advice on becoming reacquainted with family members, and medical care available through Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Medical screening (DD-2796)
Post-Deployment Health Clinical Practice Guideline
Immunizations
Post-Deployment Health Assessment (DD Form 2796)
The purpose of this form is to assess your state of health after deployment outside of the United States in support of military operations and to assist military health care providers in identifying and providing present and future care to you.
Post-Deployment Health Assessment
Post-Deployment Health Clinical Practice Guideline
This guideline is designed to assist clinicians in primary care settings in evaluating and managing care for individuals seeking health care for deployment related experiences or exposures. The objectives are:
- To promote evidence-based management of individuals with post-deployment health concerns.
- To identify the critical decision points in management of patients with post-deployment health concerns.
- To allow flexibility for local policies or procedures, such as those regarding referrals to or consultation with specialists.
- To improve local management and continuity of care of patients with post-deployment health concerns and thereby improve patient outcome.
PDH Guidelines
Immunizations
It is important to continue with any immunization schedule that remains in progress when returning from a deployment, which would include series such as Anthrax and Hepatitis B vaccinations. In addition, Tuberculosis testing is required for all service members following a deployment.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
All medical personnel and those at high risk for contact with blood and body fluids should receive a three shot series, 1 ml IM (deltoid) at months 0, 1, 6; give complete series before deployment, if possible; otherwise, remaining doses can be given in-country. Post-vaccination testing is recommended for persons whose medical management will depend on knowledge of their immune status. Post-vaccination testing should be completed 1-2 months after the third vaccine dose for results to be meaningful.
Anthrax Vaccine
The licensed schedule for anthrax vaccine is 0-2-4 weeks, 6-12-18 months, plus annual boosters. DoD policy follows FDA-approved vaccination schedules.
Other web sites of interest are:
The Military Immunization Information Source
Walter Reed Nationals Vaccine Healthcare Center
Department of Veterans Affairs
DoD Deployment Health Clinical Center
Gulf War Illnesses Home Page
2-Years Medical Care for Combat Veterans
Active Duty Medical Extension (ADME)
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