Anthrax vaccine ban modified for military personnel
WASHINGTON A federal judge who banned anthrax vaccinations for U-S troops says they can resume -- but only for those who volunteer for it. Judge Emmet Sullivan stopped the vaccination program last October because the government was using the experimental vaccine to protect against inhalation anthrax. Sullivan said that was improper.
But the judge has now modified his order because of a new law that allows unapproved drugs in cases of declared emergencies. The Pentagon argued that troops in South Korea and the Middle East are at risk.
Since 1998, the military has given (m) millions of anthrax shots in six-shot regimens to over one (m) million troops. Hundreds of people have been booted from the service for refusing them.
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