Anthrax Vaccination Program

On May 18, 1998, Secretary of Defense William Cohen approved a plan to vaccinate all U.S. service members for anthrax. This plan has caused a fierce ethical debate over the legitimacy of this vaccination. The Department of Defense claims the vaccination is completely safe and has been in use for decades. Some doctors dispute this claim, and contend the vaccination may not be effective against weapon versions of anthrax. Many service members have refused the vaccination …

…by many of our adversaries. She says, “Were service members not vaccinated and exposed to this agent, they would die a horrible death. It is our mission to protect those forces.” It seems service members will continue to face the decision of whether to take the vaccination or not. It will ultimately be up to the individual to determine if it is worth receiving punishment or ending a career if they refuse the lawful order.