Читать реферат по английскому: "Persian Gulf War Essay Research Paper A" Страница 2

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In addition to the side-effects, the effectiveness against the inhalation of anthrax has also raised questions. A doctor at Fort Detrick conducted tests on the effectiveness of the vaccine on guinea pigs. The vaccine protected only a small percentage of the animals. Other tests done with monkeys showed opposite results, with all monkeys surviving (Anthrax n. pag.). The DOD alleges that the vaccine is only useful if given before exposure to anthrax. However, the US State Department claims that using the vaccine after exposure is just as effective. It was also noted that the immunization must be given within 24 to 48 hours of an attack (Fact n. pag.). If the vaccine is just as effective after exposure, why is the military forcing all personnel to be immunized? This contradiction between federal departments questions not only the credibility of the government, but all claims on the effectiveness of the vaccine itself.

The government has consistently claimed that the anthrax vaccine is safe and there are no major side effects. Nevertheless, prior publicized cases like nuclear testing in the 1950s and use of Agent Orange in Vietnam has caused apprehension towards government claims. More recently, the US government hid the risks of drugs given to military personnel during the Gulf War. Other drugs along with the vaccine were given to thousands of service members for protection. Those returning complained of weakness, nausea, aches of joints, dizziness, and other life threatening illnesses. The illness known as Gulf War Syndrome (GWS) is suspected of being connected to the vaccine. Angry and concerned veterans demanded explanations for their illnesses from the US Government. An investigation conducted by the DOD concluded that, “the vaccine given to troops could not be correlated to Gulf War Syndrome” (McIntyre n.pag.). However, Surgeon General of the Army, Ronald Blanck stated in a senate report that “the vaccine should still be considered one of the main causes of GWS “ (Motavalli n. pag.). In addition, independent expert Dr. Maryl Nass claims that, “symptoms of GWS appeared in troops that were vaccinated for preparation of deployment, but never deployed to the gulf”. Also, British and Canadian soldiers during the Gulf War were given the vaccine, excluding French troops. Surprisingly, French troops were the only ones to return without cases of GWS (Smith n.pag.).

Government distrust, vaccine effectiveness, and unknown long-term side effects are a few reasons why military members should refuse to take the vaccine. Violations of human rights and religious beliefs can also present a conflict. Unfortunately, military members have few rights when subjected to direct orders. However, until further research has been completed, and all issues resolved, many members will continue to challenge those orders. It becomes a question of how much right does the military have to place suspicious chemicals into a service member’s body. Time will only tell if the military will be responsible for the damage caused to the lives of 2.4 million service members.

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