“THE
ANTHRAX VACCINE IMMUNIZATION PROGRAM”
Specific
Purpose: To
persuade my audience that the problems of the Anthrax Vaccine
Immunization Program could be solved
through voicing our concerns
to our Congressmen.
Central Idea: We can
help solve the problems of the Anthrax Vaccine Program by
exercising our voice.
Main Points: The
problems and concerns military troops have with the Anthrax
Vaccine are related to mistrust. Some possible solutions to these
problems involve top level military and
government action.
INTRODUCTION:
I. The threat of a biological anthrax weapon
is real. (Woodward 3).
II. There is a need to be immunized. (Koenig 7)
III. When did you first learn about
anthrax? Was it before Sept. 11?
IV. I was aware of it and the vaccine before
that time.
V. My physician husband has deployed and taken
the shots.
VI. The vaccine program is not perfect.
Transition: First, let’s look at some of the problems.
BODY:
I. Military troops have several problems and
concerns with the vaccination program linked to mistrust.
A.
Misinformation about the vaccine causes mistrust.
1. Safety of the vaccine is questioned (Maier
10)
2. Testing of the vaccine is questioned (Maier
10)
B.
The Military not taking responsibility for medical problems causes
mistrust.
(Koenig 7)
1. Troops value the right to choose for their own personal body.
(Callander 46)
2. The best interest of the individual is
forfeited for the good of the group.
(Transition: These
are some of the main concerns military troops have with the vaccine program
and
most of them have a fairly simple solution that must come from the top.)
II. These are three plausible solutions that
require top military and government action.
A. The
first solution is to implement an Anthrax Vaccine Education Program.
1. Report accurately the facts on the vaccine.
2. Report studies of the vaccine in laymen’s terms.
3.
3.
Obtain
Internet information on anthrax vaccine and conclusively
refute the differences with proof.
B. Require
commanders to receive the shots even if they do not deploy.
1. This action will enhance confidence in the program. (Koenig 7)
2. Doubts about risk will be diminished.
C. Have
Congress implement a permanent lifetime health care program.
1. Health care problems that may result will be the government’s
responsibility.
2. The cost is less than the studies and debates over current health
problems. (Koenig 7)
a. Health problems caused by Agent Orange.
b. Health problems caused by the Gulf War.
(Brakelight:
Now that you’ve been informed about the problems connected to mistrust and
the
possible solutions, I hope you can see the need to perfect this essential
program not
only
for the military’s well being but for our own as well. What can we as individuals do?)
CONCLUSION:
I. I
know it doesn’t seem like we as civilians have much say in the military, but I
hope you understand
you do have a voice and that you will use
it to help shape the future of our military and our nation.
II. We can write letters to Congress.
A. They
control the money for the vaccine program.
B. They
control money for the military.
WORKS CITED
1.
Callander,
Bruce D. “The Anthrax Issue.” Air Force Magazine Dec. 2000: 46-49.
2.
Door, Robert
F. “I’m convinced: Get those Vaccinations Against Anthrax.” Air Force Times
4 October
1999: 62.
3.
Koenig, Dr.
Harold M. “‘Refuse-Niks’ May Have History On Their Side.” U. S. Medicine
Feb. 2000, pg. 7.
4.
Maier, Timothy
W. “A Dose of Reality.” Insight on the News 20 September 1999: 10.
5.
Mississippi email addresses of Senators
and Congressmen. Online. America Online.
Inernet.
11/21/01. Available http://www.geocities.com/College Park/Den/7179/MS.htm
6.
Woodward, SSgt. George. “The Vaccine:
Bottom-line Answers to Tough Questions.” Sourdough Sentinel
3 December
1999: 3-4.