But witnesses testified AVIP operational protocols, particularly with regard to vaccine waivers and adverse event reporting, were not being followed. A DOD witnesses acknowledged communication to reserve component members had not been effective. Finally, Secretary Cohen assured service members the program would be subjected to an independent medical and scientific review. But we discovered only a cursory review of DOD materials by a friend of the Department who, while well meaning, acknowledged he had no expertise in anthrax. Because the anthrax vaccine is still being studied as a possible causative or contributing factor in Gulf War veterans' illnesses, its use in a vastly expanded and demographically diverse population should be monitored carefully.
Women report adverse events after receiving the vaccine at twice the rate among men.
But we found DOD's reliance on a passive reporting system very likely, if not predisposed, to understate the true health effects of the vaccine. To address that problem we recommend DOD enroll all vaccine recipients in a comprehensive clinical evaluation and treatment program for long term study. The strength of this report flows from the personal courage and sacrifice of the men and women of the military who testified before our Subcommittee. Some had taken the vaccine and become ill. Captain Michelle Piel, a C-5 Galaxy pilot from Dover Air Force Base lost her flying status when she developed chronic fatigue, dizziness joint pain and other debilitating symptoms after taking the vaccine.