Should First-Responders Have Access to Anthrax Vaccines and Antimicrobials? (H.R. 1300)

What is H.R. 1300?

(Updated July 19, 2017)

This bill would direct the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to give surplus anthrax vaccines and antimicrobials from the national stockpile to be used voluntarily by first responders across the country.

DHS would establish the logistical and tracking systems to make the vaccines and antimicrobials available to first responders wherever they are needed in the U.S., and would also distribute disclosures describing potential risks to users. DHS would also have to:

• Support risk assessments of how threatening anthrax (in an act of is to homeland security.

• Leverage homeland security intelligence capabilities and structures to enhance prevention, protection, and recovery efforts in an anthrax attack.

• Share information and offer analytical support on the threat of anthrax attacks to state, local, and tribal authorities — as well as other national biosecurity and biodefense stakeholders.

A pilot program lasting at least 18 months would be carried out to administer these vaccines and antimicrobials to first responders. This program would involve a communication platform, training, economic analysis, and logistics system to handle vaccine requests. DHS would pick providers in at least two states to participate in the program, and also give those providers disclosures about the risks of the vaccines and antimicrobials.

Argument in favor

Taking advantage of the vaccines and antimicrobials would be completely voluntary, and could prevent first responders from getting anthrax if it is used in a terror attack.

Argument opposed

Having vaccines available when there is an anthrax attack is important, but administering vaccines ahead of time is unnecessary.

Impact

First responders who choose to participate in the program, people who terrorize with anthrax, DHS, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and national security.

Cost of H.R. 1300

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

In-Depth: DHS issues a letter to first responders who might have to combat an anthrax attack in their communities. One of their tips is to keep a supply of antibacterial drugs on hand at the emergency personnel’s expense.

In April 2012, DHS made the anthrax vaccine available on a trial basis for first responders at the state and local level through federal funds.

 you might ask. In May 2015 the Department of Defense accidentally shipped out live samples of anthrax spores after mistaking them for samples of dead anthrax used in research. The live anthrax went to research labs in as many as nine states, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been tasked with containing the samples. A Pentagon spokesperson has publicly stated that there is “no known risk to the public.”

Shortly after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, anthrax was mailed to several U.S. media offices and two Democratic Senators — killing  five people and infecting 17 more.

• House Homeland Security Committee Press Release
• Nuclear Threat Initiative (Context)
• Department of Homeland Security (Context)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Context)