Squalene is a highly toxic adjuvant that does not have FDA approval. The presence of squalene in the anthrax vaccine would be in violation of U.S. domestic law and international laws that arose from the ashes of Nazi Germany at the Nuremberg trials. We are obviously disappointed by the verdict. Nevertheless, Lance Corporal Schwartz remained true to his principles, and the sentence reflects that the Court believed his sincerity. Zaid added that he intends to continue challenging the vaccine in any subsequent court-martials until the evidence is substantively addressed.
Efforts are also underway to promote Congressional intervention.
The immunization series calls for six injections of the vaccine over a period of 18 months, followed by annual booster shots. Vaccinations began in March 1998. The FDA approved the vaccine in 1970. However, concerns have been raised about the vaccine's effectiveness against massive doses of weaponized anthrax anticipated in an intentional biological warfare attack. The Pentagon's anthrax vaccination program is a misguided and exaggerated effort set in motion by a few individuals based on sparse data.