DOD resumes anthrax shots

  • Published
  • By Gerry J. Gilmore
  • American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON (AFPN) --  A federal judge ruled Jan. 7 that the Defense Department could again legally administer anthrax immunizations to servicemembers.

Military commanders "should immediately resume the anthrax vaccination program," wrote Dr. David S.C. Chu, DOD personnel chief, in a department-wide memorandum.

The department's anthrax vaccine immunization program had been suspended since Dec. 23, after an injunction granted the previous day by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia caused DOD to suspend the program.

The department "remains convinced that the AVIP complies with all legal requirements, and there is now no judicial restraint" on administration of the vaccine, Dr. Chu wrote.

Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers maintain the anthrax vaccine is a safe and necessary prophylactic for U.S. servicemembers deployed in the war against terrorism where enemies may employ biological, chemical or nuclear weapons of mass destruction.

Both Secretary Rumsfeld and General Myers have received anthrax shots.