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July 17, 2002

U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"Homeland Security Strategy Lays Out 'Lines of Authority'"

USA Today (www.usatoday.com) (07/17/02) P. 7A; Hall, Mimi

President Bush's national strategy for homeland security includes the development of new vaccines to fight bioterrorism, the creation of high-tech chemical detection systems, and the expansion of extradition authority.  "Our society presents an almost infinite array of potential targets that can be attacked through a variety of methods," the strategy notes.  "We must be prepared to adapt as our enemies in the war on terrorism alter their means of attack."  Some parts of the plan are already in the works, such as stockpiling anthrax and smallpox vaccines. The plan also recommends that the government establish "red teams" of federal agents to run mock-terrorism drills to ensure preparedness, use the military for civilian defense, review state quarantine laws, increase the availability of terrorism insurance, and create a system to detect a person's hostile intent.

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