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Defense Dept. responds to injunction (12/24)

As was widely reported this week, a federal judge on Dec. 22 told the Defense Department to stop mandatory anthrax vaccinations. This was done in the form of a preliminary injunction. The government has until January 30 to respond to the judge’s order. On Dec. 23, the Defense Department issued the following statement: “The Department of Defense is currently reviewing a preliminary injunction recently granted by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia regarding the department's anthrax vaccination program. “The Defense Department’s anthrax vaccination program is an important force protection measure. Research conducted by the most prominent medical experts has determined that the anthrax vaccine is safe and effective for all forms of anthrax exposure. “The Department will stop giving anthrax vaccinations until the legal situation is clarified.” The SIU has been informed that, effective immediately, the U.S. Military Sealift Command is suspending anthrax immunizations for personnel embarked on MSC vessels, including civilian and contract mariners, until further notice. Please note that this change does not affect ongoing immunization requirements for smallpox Further details will be posted as they become available.