Burton Questions DoD's Judgement Regarding Vaccinations of ROTC Cadets

[Guest guest]

http://www.house.gov/reform/press/chairelease1.htm

PRESS RELEASE

OFFICE OF CONGRESSMAN DAN BURTON SIXTH DISTRICT, INDIANA

2185 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515

(202)-225-2276 FAX (202)-225-0016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: JOHN CARDARELLI

202-225-2276

Burton Questions DoD's Judgement Regarding Vaccinations of ROTC Cadets

25 Army ROTC Cadets Given Anthrax Vaccine during Training Session

Excessive Doses Mistakenly Given

Washington, D.C.-- Congressman Dan Burton (IN-6) today released the

following statement regarding reports of ROTC cadets in Washington State

receiving excessive doses of the Anthrax vaccine before attending a brief summer

leadership course in Korea.

" I am deeply disturbed by this event because it adds to the growing list

of concerns about DOD's flawed Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program.

" I seriously question the wisdom, prudence or national security

necessity of placing college and university ROTC students in training situations

where they must participate in DOD's Anthrax program, especially in light of the

increasing body of evidence and unresolved issues that seriously question the

safety of DOD's program, " Burton said. " These students have not graduated from

college, and some may never be commissioned in the military for a variety of

reasons.

" If the parents of the 80 cadets participating in this summer program

were not informed that their son or daughter was going to be required to take

this controversial vaccination, I seriously question the judgment and leadership

of Army officials managing the Army ROTC program, both military and civilian.

It is my belief that DOD's implementation of the Anthrax program to date, and

the continuing unresolved safety concerns, will exacerbate DOD's current

recruiting and retention problems. "

On March 9, 2000, the Committee on Government Reform adopted the

National Security Subcommittee's report calling for the suspension of the DOD's

Anthrax program until all questions concerning the safety and efficacy of the

program could be resolved.

" The mandatory requirement of the DoD's Anthrax program should be

suspended. This most recent revelation regarding mandatory inoculation of

college and university Army ROTC students, who travel to Korea for a brief

summer training course, will further erode the trust and confidence of the

American people in our military's leadership. "

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http://www.dallasnw.quik.com/cyberella/Anthrax/Product.html

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Dosage

Primary immunization consists of three subcutaneous injections, 0.5mL

each, given 2 weeks apart followed by three additional subcutaneous injections,

0.5mL each, given at 6, 12 and 18 months (1).

If immunity is to be maintained, subsequent booster injections of 0.5 mL

of anthrax vaccine at one year intervals are recommended.

Administration

1. Use a separate sterile needle and syringe for each patient to avoid

transmission of viral hepatitis and other infections agents.

2. Shake the bottle thoroughly to ensure that the suspension is

homogeneous during withdrawal. The rubber stopper should be treated with an

appropriate disinfectant and allowed to dry before inserting the needle.

3. This preparation must be given subcutaneously after cleansing the

overlying skin with an antiseptic.

4. Follow the usual precautions to avoid intravenous injection.

5. After withdrawing the needle, the injection site may be massaged

briefly and gently to promote dispersal of the vaccine.

6. The same site should not be used for more than one injection of this

vaccine.

7. Do not syringe-mix with any other vaccine.

8. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for

particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution

and container permit.

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http://www.bioport.com/PrincipleProducts/AVAInsert/AVAins03.htm

At Bioports site, this info is at the end of the dosing instructions

HOW SUPPLIED

Anthrax Vaccine is supplied in 5 mL vials containing 10 doses each.

STORAGE

THIS PRODUCT SHOULD BE STORED AT 2 TO 8º C (35.6 to 46.4ºF). Do not

freeze. Do not use after the expiration date given on the package.