Fed: Government botched up anthrax vaccinations: Rudd

00-00-0000
Fed: Government botched up anthrax vaccinations: Rudd

Labor's foreign affairs spokesman KEVIN RUDD says the government's handling of anthraxvaccinations for Persian Gulf-bound sailors has been a complete botch-up.

Mr RUDD says the government effectively committed to a war more than six months ago.

But he says it didn't ensure then that vaccinations were made available for military personnel.

Eleven sailors have so far been sent home after refusing anthrax vaccinations enrouteto the Middle East.

But Defence Force chief General PETER COSGROVE won't confirm reports that at least40 defence force personnel have refused the vaccine over fears about its side effects.

AAP RTV ka/kp/wz/sco

KEYWORD: IRAQ VACCINE RUDD (SYDNEY)