DATE=2/17/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=ANTHRAX VACCINATIONS (L)
NUMBER=2-259296
BYLINE=NICK SIMEONE
DATELINE=WASHINGTON
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: New questions are being raised about the U-S
military's plan to inoculate all service personnel
against the deadly biological agent anthrax. The
Pentagon has long thought that countries such as Iraq
or North Korea, or even a terrorist, could be prepared
to use anthrax against American troops overseas. More
than 400-thousand soldiers have already been
vaccinated, but about 300 others are refusing the
shots, fearing possible side effects. Now, some
members of Congress are questioning the safety of the
vaccine as well. Correspondent Nick Simeone reports
from Washington.
TEXT: All two-point-four-million members of the armed
forces are required to take the anthrax vaccine. But
a new congressional report questions whether the
series of shots may lead to health problems.
Republican congressman Christopher Shays, the chairman
of the House (of Representatives) subcommittee that
drafted the report, says there are adverse affects.
He wants the Pentagon to stop forcing military
personnel to take the shots until the vaccine can be
improved.
/// SHAYS ACT ///
The military has acted too quickly and has not
done what is necessary, and that is to develop a
drug that is modern, that does not take six
shots, that is a cleaner drug.
/// END ACT ///
The Pentagon is reviewing the Congressional report but
has no plans to stop issuing the anthrax vaccine. It
believes the shots are safe, although it admits there
have been about 70 cases of adverse reactions.
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Sue
Bailey believes the United States would be derelict
not to immunize its soldiers against a biological
weapon that potential adversaries may be stockpiling.
/// BAILEY ACT ///
We have a very safe and effective vaccine
against a very deadly biologic agent that we
know to be in the hands of many of our
adversaries and could be used against our
forces. That would imply -- were they not
vaccinated and exposed to this agent -- they
would die a horrible death.
/// END ACT ///
The anthrax vaccine has been used by industrial and
laboratory workers for 30 years. Any member of the
U-S military who refuses to accept the vaccination
could be discharged. But the Air Force has dropped
plans for a military trial of a major who refused the
shots, and will subject him instead to informal
disciplinary proceedings, at his request. (Signed)
NEB/NJS/gm/
17-Feb-2000 18:03 PM EDT (17-Feb-2000 2303 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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