REQUEST FOR DECLASS OF BW VACCINATION PROGRAM

File: 970612_sep96_decls1_0001.txt
Page: 0001
Total Pages: 2
Subject = REQUEST FOR DECLASS OF BW VACCINATION PROGRAM                   

Parent Organization = HSC         

Unit = OTSG        

Folder Title = REQUEST FOR DECLASSIFICATION OF BIOLOGICAL WARFARE VACCINATION PROGRAM                          

Document Number =          1

Box ID = BX003206





                                   OEOARTMENT OF THE ARMY
                         OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF FOR OPERATIONSAND PLANS
                                    WASHINGTON. DC 20310-0400


                  REPty TO
                  A,x NTIO)I Of

                                                                   8 APR 1991
              DAMO-SWC

             .MEMORANDUM FOR THE OFFICE OF THE SURGEON GENERAL,
                             ATTN: DASG-HCD-D

              SUBJECT: Request for Declassification of Biological Warfare
                        Vaccination Program


              1.   Reference your request of 22 March 1991 for the
              declassification of the biological warfare vaccination program.

              2. it is our considered opinion that the stringent
              classification and close-hold nature of the program can now be
              treated on an unclassified basis but should not be aired
              publicly except in response to specific question by
              individuals.

              3. it is recommended that the AMEDD response to inquiry should
              read as follows: "As part of a broad program to to protect
              American service personnel and critical civilians from the
              potential use of biological warfare agents, many personnel
              received vaccinations for two specific substances::anthrax and
              botulinum toxin. The testing, procurement and administration
              of the materials was done under the careful scrutiny and
              control of well trained personnel from the US Army Medical
              Research and Development Command in concert with the US Food
              and Drug Administration. The anthrax vaccine is licensed for
              unlimited use and has been used safely on civilian and
              military laboratory personnel without incident. The I>otulinum
              vaccine is an Investigational New Drug and requires informed
              consent prior to use. The FDA and the MDD concurred that
              administration could be accomplished in absence of informed
              consent due to security reasons. Experience with both vaccines
              indicates that they are quite safe and offer effective
              protection against these two serious substancess. Further,
              additional testing will be accomplished by the AMEM."

              4. This regrading action has been coordinated with the DCSINT
              and OCPA.

              5. HQDA DAMO-SWC POC is Dr. R.E.Boyle, 703-69773535.
                                             ,Bull
                                             m jor General, GS
                                             Director, space and
                                               Special Weapons