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Medical Countermeasures

About Medical Countermeasures (MCM)

Medical Countermeasures (MCM) are the medications (including vaccines, antiviral drugs, or antibiotics) needed to treat, protect or prophylaxis an identified population in accordance with public health guidelines and/or recommendations. Typically, MCM is broken into two parts: distribution and dispensing.

Medical Countermeasures Distribution refers to moving medications and medical supplies where they are needed during an emergency. The process includes requesting, warehousing, and transporting the medical assets.

Medical Countermeasures Dispensing refers to providing medications or vaccine to individuals within the affected population. Dispensing is often accomplished by opening and operating a Point of Dispensing (POD).


COVID-19 POD materials


POD Planning and Operation Resources

workers unloading SNS supplies

Closed PODs:

POD Field Operations Guide (FOG):


MCM Resources