Study Backs Safety of Anthrax Vaccine

A panel of scientists endorsed the safety and effectiveness of the anthrax vaccine, but it also recommended more research into how it can be improved.

Last year's anthrax-by-mail attacks focused additional attention on the vaccine, already criticized by some military members who resigned rather than take it because of concerns about side effects.

The study by the National Academy of Science's Institute of Medicine concluded that the vaccine protects against all forms of anthrax and has no more serious side effects than other vaccines given to adults.