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	Luke of Groton, CT asks: My wife is in the military. What are the side effects of this vaccine? Are there people who shouldn't take it who may be more prone to an allergic reaction? Dr. Meryl Nass responds: Some chronic side effects I noted above. In many cases, they appear to be mediated by autoimmunity. People with preexisting autoimmune illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis are probably more likely to suffer a serious adverse reaction, as are those with neurologic disease, such as those who had polio in childhood. Stevens Johnson Syndrome, a severe allergic reaction in which there is loss of epidermis (skin) and the lining of the GI tract has been reported, as well as more classic allergic symptoms. Many recipients report seizures with complete loss of consciousness. Respiratory distress and a variety of pulmonary illnesses have been reported as well. By the way, the side effect rate in women is roughly twice that in men. Lt. Col. Randy Randolf responds: Same response as #3. People who should not take the anthrax vaccine are those with a true hypersensitivity reaction (serious allergic reaction) to a previous dose of the anthrax vaccine, people infected with HIV, people who have other kinds of immune suppression, pregnant women, and people under 18 and over 65 years of age. Other temporary reasons for deferring anthrax vaccination include an acute respiratory disease or active infection, and a temporary course of immune-suppressing drugs such as steroids (e.g., prednisone). Vaccinations should be resumed when these issues are resolved. If a person has an active infection or is taking a prescription medication that suppresses the immune system, a decision to give the anthrax vaccine will be made on a case-by-case basis by a health care provider.