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October 25, 2002

U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"Anthrax Shots Drive Some Out of Military"

USA Today (www.usatoday.com) (10/24/02) P. 6A

Eighty-five percent of 833 surveyed Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve pilots who received the anthrax vaccine reported adverse reactions, according to a survey by the General Accounting Office.  Over two-thirds of the study respondents who had changed their military status said the anthrax shots were a key reason behind their decision, and over one-quarter of the respondents said the shots were the primary reason.  Concerns expressed about the vaccine that were cited in the report include greater risk of autoimmune disease, effects on offspring, and harm to fertility.

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