Short Supply Jeopardizes Anthrax Program

0 Comments | Insight on the News, August 7, 2000 | by John Elvin

The military's anthrax-vaccination program -- monitored by Insight since it was announced by officials who took a very hard line and court-martialed some personnel who refused to participate -- may be headed for the back burner. According to the Associated Press, the program may be suspended due to a dwindling inventory of vaccine. It appears that present supplies will sustain the controversial program only for another month or two.

The program could kick into gear again if the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, certifies a manufacturing plant that is trying to gear up to handle the new demand. The FDA has shut down that plant, BioPort Corp., twice in the last year. BioPort was formed by Intervac, L.L.C., a company that, according to conservative columnist Phyllis Schlafly, is 22.5 percent owned by retired Adm. William J. Crowe, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (see "Why Bioport Got a Shot in the Arm, Sept. 20, 1999). The Department of Defense, or DoD, has doubled the price originally spelled out for the vaccine in its contract with BioPort and has indemnified the company against liability in cases involving military recipients.

In May, some 35 members of the House sent a letter to DoD suggesting a halt to the program. A bill was introduced in the }louse calling for a moratorium, and Rep. Christopher Shays, a Connecticut Republican, issued a report by his Human Resources subcommittee calling for a halt in vaccinations. The Pentagon remains adamant that there are no changes in plans to vaccinate nearly 2.5 million active and reserve personnel due to the "clear and present danger" that terrorists may unleash anthrax on our troops. Of 620 reports of side effects, only 26 cases have required hospitalization. More than 300 members of the armed services have been punished for refusing the vaccine, and another 1,000 are awaiting trial.