About PI/ID Watchboard
As a key component of DoD’s Pandemic Influenza Mitigation efforts, the Medical Countermeasures (MCM) Directorate within FHP&R develops clinical guidelines for vaccines, diagnostics and antiviral policies that ultimately serve to protect department-wide military and civilian personnel and beneficiaries living abroad or at home.
In an influenza pandemic, the DoD's mission is to preserve U.S. combat capabilities and readiness, and support U.S. government efforts to save lives, reduce human suffering and slow the spread of infection.
MCM additionally coordinates with the military Services, Joint Staff, and the Defense Logistics Agency-Troop Support on all aspects of DoD’s annual Seasonal Influenza Program, including public affairs and health provider messaging for any seasonal flu issues that may arise.
The MCM Directorate further takes a proactive and collaborative preventive medicine approach with military and civilian public health partners to protect Service members and their families who may be stationed or deployed in areas at elevated risk to emerging infectious disease agents. MCM develops vaccine use policies to counter infectious diseases including smallpox, anthrax and adenovirus, and ensures the latest, safest and most effective preventive measures are in place to address unique region-specific and common tropical illnesses such as malaria, Japanese Encephalitis and leishmaniasis.