MEDICAL READINESS: Safety and Efficacy of the Anthrax Vaccine
Abstract
We are pleased to be here today to discuss the results of our ongoing examination of the safety and efficacy1 of the anthrax vaccine, which is being done at your request. My testimony presents preliminary findings on (1) the short- and long-term safety of the vaccine, (2) the efficacy of the vaccine, and (3) problems the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found in the vaccine production facility in Michigan that could compromise the safety, efficacy, and quality of the vaccine. We plan to issue the final report on our review this fall. As you know, concerns have been raised about the Department of Defenses (DOD) anthrax immunization program since the Department began vaccinating the first of 2.4 million active duty and reserve members. For example, some Gulf War veterans are suffering from unexplained illnesses that they believe might have been caused by anthrax vaccines that they received during the war. Also, some active duty military personnel expressed concerns regarding the safety and efficacy of the anthrax vaccine after the FDA found problems during the inspection of the facility that was manufacturing the anthrax vaccine. With this background, I will discuss our results.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 29, 1999
- Accession Number
- AD1174878
Entities
People
- Kwai-cheung Chan
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office