ANTHRAX AND THE VACCINE

October 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	Timothy Rely of Bend, OR asks: Which members of the military are required to take the Anthrax vaccine? Lt. Col. Randy Randolf responds: Eventually the total active duty and reserve component force, plus civilians designated as emergency-essential, will be vaccinated. This would total 2.4 million military personnel, including more than 1 million members of the National Guard and Reserves. The Coast Guard contingent numbers about 40,000, including 7,000 members of the USCG Reserve. Between now and 2003, the entire force, including all people entering military service, will begin receiving the six-shot series of the anthrax vaccination in a phased program. * Phase 1: Forces assigned now or rotating to designated high-threat areas. * Phase 2: Early deploying forces into high-threat areas. * Phase 3: Remainder of the force and people entering military service. Dr. Meryl Nass responds: All active duty, guard and reserve members of all four services, Coast Guard, and some civilian employees of military contractors. State Department and Defense Threat Reduction Agency employees may choose to receive or decline the vaccine.