Anthrax vaccine and public health policy.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has classified Bacillus anthracis, the causative organism of anthrax, as a category A potential bioterrorism agent. There are critical shortcomings in the US anthrax vaccine program. Rather than depending on the private sector, the government must assume direct production of anthrax vaccine. The development of a capacity capable of preemptive immunization of the public against anthrax should be considered.
Weiss
Martin Meyer
MM
Veterans Administration, Sepulveda, Calif 91343, USA. martin.weiss@med.va.gov
Weiss
Peter D
PD
Weiss
Joseph B
JB
D000818:Animals; D000881:Anthrax / Q000517:prevention & control*; D022122:Anthrax Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001709:Biotechnology; D023482:Bioterrorism; D006224:Cricetinae; D015195:Drug Design; D035082:Federal Government; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D032541:Mass Vaccination; D008647:Mesocricetus; D015969:National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, U.S., Health and Medicine Division; D011057:Politics; D017149:Private Sector; D011634:Public Health; D011640:Public Policy; D014481:United States; D014483:United States Dept. of Health and Human Services
D022122:Anthrax Vaccines; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents