Washington Post

A federal anti-terrorism commission headed by Virginia Gov. James Gilmore has recommended the creation of a national facility for the research and production of vaccines to combat biological terrorism.

Arguing it will take direct government involvement to produce ample supplies of vaccines for anthrax, smallpox and other deadly bio-organisms, commission members proposed establishing a government-owned, contractor-operated national facility for the production of vaccines for especially dangerous diseases. "The private sector is unlikely to be the answer to some of the more difficult vaccine issues," the panel said in its latest report to the president.

The Defense Department has estimated it would cost $1.5billion to build a vaccine plant and operate it for 25 years. Only one company, BioPort Corp., produces anthrax vaccine, but its factory has been unable to ship doses for three years because of production problems.

"Biological weapons are no longer a potential threat, but a real threat to the safety and security of the United States," Gilmore said. "A national laboratory for the development and production of vaccines is vital for our nation to build up its defenses and respond to a massive biological attack."

The panel, created by Congress to assess domestic response capabilities for terrorism involving weapons of mass destruction, approved preliminary recommendations in August that called for the creation of a homeland security adviser along the lines of the position created by President Bush last month and filled by former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge.

In the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the panel rushed to prepare further recommendations that were released this month. They include improving health and medical capabilities to respond to the full scope of potential casualties from a terrorist attack, toughening immigration procedures and border control, improving state and local response to emergencies, and clarifying the roles and missions of the military in responding to emergencies and providing law-enforcement assistance.

ALL INFORMATION, DATA, AND MATERIAL CONTAINED, PRESENTED, OR PROVIDED HERE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS REFLECTING THE KNOWLEDGE OR OPINIONS OF THE PUBLISHER, AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED OR INTENDED AS PROVIDING MEDICAL OR LEGAL ADVICE.  THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO VACCINATE IS AN IMPORTANT AND COMPLEX ISSUE AND SHOULD BE MADE BY YOU, AND YOU ALONE, IN CONSULTATION WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.