Anthrax jabs mutiny widens amid fears of cancer, sterility

By Craig Skehan
February 13 2003

Members of the 101st US Airborne Division stand in line to receive their Anthrax shots. Photo: Reuters

The anthrax rebellion in the armed forces has widened, with another eight sailors en route to or already in the Persian Gulf refusing inoculations - bringing the total to 11.

The protests have been prompted by fears of serious health problems despite assurances from the Federal Government.

The Australian Defence Force confirmed yesterday that the eight were being sent back to Australia. Three sailors on HMAS Kanimbla who earlier refused the protective jabs are already back in the country.

Dozens of other Australian personnel have expressed serious concerns, fuelled by internet reports linking the anthrax vaccine to sterility in men and serious diseases like cancer.

There have been documented cases of major allergic reactions experienced by about one in 100,000 people being vaccinated. Other serious short-term results have also shown up among a very small proportion of the millions inoculated worldwide.