Embassy staff to get anthrax jab

The Federal Government was forced to offer anthrax vaccinations to Australia's Middle East embassy staff yesterday after it was revealed they had not been given the same protection as troops sent to the Persian Gulf.

The offer came as Defence Force Chief Peter Cosgrove sidestepped reports that at least 40 Australian Defence Force personnel had refused to be vaccinated because they feared side-effects.

"The numbers are coming down," he told the Nine Network. "I've heard an estimate elsewhere today that it was 40. I think that's on the high side but we're still working with a number of people who have expressed concerns and we're seeking to meet those concerns and explain what the issues are."

Defence Minister Robert Hill refused to give a "running commentary" on the numbers. So far 11 sailors have been confirmed as heading home from ships in the Gulf after refusing the voluntary vaccinations and the navy has issued a memo to troops insisting the vaccine is safe.

Foreign Affairs officials said embassy staff had chemical and biological warfare protective suits and access to antibiotics but it had not been considered necessary to offer vaccinations.