FW: ARMY HALTS FORCED ANTHRAX VACCINATION

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Sept. 8, 1998

Army halts force to give anthrax shots

By Rod Hafemeister

Belleville News-Democrat

Army officials have changed their minds: They have decided they will not

use force to give shots to soldiers who refuse their anthrax

vaccinations. " The Army is amending its policy. We're not going to do

forcible vaccinations, " Army spokesman Capt. Bertinetti said.

" We're not going to strap anybody down. " The Pentagon is proceeding with

plans to vaccinate all 2.4 million active-duty, National Guard and

reserve service members against anthrax. Anthrax, a livestock disease,

is considered relatively easy to turn into a biological weapon and is

virtually 100 percent fatal in the inhaled form most likely to be used

as a weapon.

Military leaders say the vaccine is the best protection against anthrax.

But federal regulators have repeatedly reported problems at the only

plant that makes the vaccine, and opponents question its safety and

effectiveness. At least 14 sailors and two airmen have been disciplined

for refusing the vaccine earlier this year. And Army Pfc. Mathew Baker,

20, went absent without leave from Fort , Ga., on June 9. At an

Aug. 4 press conference, Baker said he went AWOL after getting his first

anthrax shot. He said he only accepted the shot after his company's

first sergeant threatened to strap him down and inject him if he

refused.

Army officials defended the first sergeant and said that right is

contained in Army Regulation 600-20, " Army Command Policy, " which sets

forth the responsibilities of those in command of troops. In a section

titled, " Medical care with or without the soldier's

permission, " the regulation states: " The policy of authorizing forcible

immunization is intended to protect the health and overall effectiveness

of the command as well as the

health of the soldier. Soldiers do not have the option as to whether

they will be immunized except as prescribed " in a separate regulation.

The exemptions include pregnancy, other medical conditions or religious

objections.

As recently as last week, soldiers in California and Korea said that

commanders were citing the regulation and threatening to forcibly

vaccinate anyone who refused. " The reg is still out there - it has not

been rescinded yet, " Bertinetti said. " The Army is developing a policy

on vaccinations, specifically anthrax. " Soldiers will face disciplinary

action if they refuse. " Baker, who turned himself into the Army on Aug.

5, was released to his parents' home in Springfield, Ohio. He is pending

discharge. The Navy last week gave general discharges to two sailors who

refused to take the shots. Six others are in a holding status in Japan,

pending discharge.