ANTHRAX AND THE VACCINE

November 1999
		Which is worse -- a deadly disease, or the vaccine that guards against it? Experts answer your questions.

Forum Introduction. Who in the military must take the vaccine? Is Anthrax a national health problem? What are the side effects? Who is at risk for side effects? What company makes the vaccine? Is the vaccine approved by the FDA? Is there a medical resource on the topic?.     Oct. 21, 1999: The growing controversy over the Anthrax vaccine. Jan. 7, 1997: Gulf War Syndrome Update. Nov. 7, 1996: Chemical weapons debate. Sept. 11, 1996: Chemical weapons vote. Browse the NewsHour's coverage of defense and health.       Anthrax, from the Secretary of Defense Anthrax Vaccine Web site Centers for Disease Control and Prevention American Gulf War Veterans Association Arnot Ogden Medical Center Anthrax Links and Information: Created by opponents of the vaccine	The American military must be prepared to protect their personnel and the rest of the population from threats like biological warfare, including deadly bacteria that cause Anthrax. Experts say that there are ten countries that may be holding the bacteria as a possible weapon, and some missions of the military could put their personnel in danger of infection. But recently, some members of the military who have taken the vaccine have complained of severe side effects and more than 30 soldiers have been court-martialled for refusing the shots. Others say they have asked to be transferred out of their jobs to avoid the vaccine. The Army's top Anthrax researcher Arthur Friedlander insists the survival rate of animals exposed to the bacteria is reason enough for the vaccine to be required. "I don't see how it's not good enough for anybody, given the threat. In fact, I think it would be medical malpractice not to give the vaccine." Others, like Dr. Meryl Nass say the vaccine has not been tested enough and has too many apparent side effects to require people to take it. What side effects does the Anthrax vaccine have? Should members of the military be allowed to refuse the vaccine? Dr. Meryl Nass and the director of the vaccination program, Lt. Col. Randy Randolf, take your questions.