The Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine will now be mandatory for active-duty Airmen who are either permanently stationed or who will be temporarily assigned for more than 30 days to Japan or South Korea. Members currently stationed in Japan and South Korea saw their individual medical readiness status turn yellow Feb. 1, and will have one year to receive the two-dose vaccination series. When you are outdoors, use an EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)-registered insect repellent that contains DEET, IR3535, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Wearing long sleeves, long pants and socks can help. For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website at www.cdc.gov/japaneseencephalitis/.
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