Space
Anthrax Online: Straight Shooting from DoD
By Douglas J. Gillert
American Forces Press Service 25 Nov 98
WASHINGTON -- Are DoD's mandatory anthrax inoculations really safe? Why is
anthrax suddenly such a big deal? Why doesn't DoD make the shots optional and
let each of us decide for ourselves what protection we need?
If you've asked any of these questions, you are in good company, because many
service members have since May. That's when Defense Secretary William Cohen made
the anthrax vaccinations mandatory. You can find out why and answers to many
other questions at "Countering the Anthrax Threat," a new Web site highlighted
on "DefenseLink," DoD's Internet home page at http://www.defenselink.mil/ or go
directly to http://www.defenselink.mil/specials/Anthrax.
The Web site developers said they had only one audience in mind: service members
and their families. By replacing medical jargon with straightforward language
and using strong visuals, the developers felt they could make it much easier to
understand the purpose of the anthrax immunization program and why it is so
important to force protection.
"We think the site is both informative and 'eye-friendly,'" said one of the
developers. "We included an easy-to-follow site index so service members can
quickly find answers to their questions on a range of topics including the
immunization sequence and the vaccine's safety record. Whenever possible we've
also included compelling graphics and images to make sure the deadly reality of
anthrax comes across loud and clear."
The site provides a range of features. One section called "Facts vs. Myths"
addresses common misconceptions about the disease, the vaccine and the
immunization program.
Another section gives a historical overview of anthrax. For instance, the
disease is thought to be the fifth plague of seven visited on Egypt in the time
of Moses, about 1500 B.C. The deadly disease was called the "Black Bane" during
the Middle Ages.
Rear Adm. Michael Cowan, medical readiness director for the Joint Staff, called
anthrax the "poor man's atom bomb" and increasingly the weapon of choice of
rogue nations and transnational terrorists. That's why DoD made the vaccination
program mandatory, he said. "By immunizing our force, we are immunizing
ourselves against an 'atomic' bomb."
If you have questions or comments about the information contained at this Web
site, forward them to DoD online at http://www.defenselink.mil/faq/comment.html.
