Safety of anthrax vaccine not investigated

March 1, 2000

Former official insists that informed consent is required

WINNIPEG (CP) - A Health Canada official who authorized the use of the

anthrax vaccine in the Persian Gulf says his department doesn't investigate

the safety or effectiveness of unlicensed drugs.

Ian MacKay, head of Health Canada's special access program, told the court

martial of former airman Kipling that there is a presumption the

physician requesting the product knows the drug is safe.

''We don't have the time and are not authorized to examine the risks and

benefits of a product,'' said MacKay.

He also said the department requires risks and benefits be explained to the

vaccine recipient.

''Informed consent is the proper way a patient should receive information

about it,'' said MacKay.

Kipling is charged with refusing a direct order to take the vaccine while he

served in the Gulf in 1998. Kipling said he feared for his and his family's

health.

Military personnel in the Gulf did not sign consent forms but acknowledgment

forms stating they had been briefed on anthrax.

The anthrax vaccine is unlicensed in Canada but Health Canada's special

access program has the authority to release unlicensed drugs to doctors.

The court martial was adjourned and is set to reconvene March 27.

Kipling, 45, retired last year but the military decided to press ahead with

his court martial.

POSTED TO NGWRC WEB Wed Mar 01 12:00:03 2000

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