And sharing them with others who have had adverse reactions to the vaccine. It is based on numerous reports given to me by servicemembers. Information on Illnesses Many servicemembers who have received anthrax vaccine in the last year have become chronically ill. The majority of complaints of illness have been associated with vaccination using lots 020 and 030. Each lot contains approximately 200,000 doses.
Anthrax vaccine is composed of an uncharacterized mix of bacterial products.
This, along with its prolonged shelf life, may explain why 7 of 19 lots failed potency tests during supplemental testing in 1998. Because the constituents of this vaccine have never been defined, it is impossible to establish purity. Because ill servicemembers remain on active duty and are trying to stay in the military, their names and medical records cannot be provided. They are attempting to receive appropriate medical care within the military. These patients are in a Catch-22 situation.