Panel calls for national vaccine lab

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- An advisory panel looking at the nation's ability to respond to terrorist acts called Thursday for the creation of a national laboratory to research, develop and produce vaccines to combat biological terrorism.

"Biological weapons are no longer a potential threat, but a real threat to the safety and security of the United States," said Virginia Gov. James Gilmore, who chaired the panel.

"A national laboratory for the development and production of vaccines is vital for our nation to build up its defenses and respond to a massive biological attack," he said.

The Advisory Panel to Assess Domestic Response Capabilities for Terrorism Involving Weapons of Mass Destruction, also known as "The Gilmore Commission," decided to release an advance executive summary of the final report, due December 15, in response to the terrorist attacks of September 11.

The report also recommends improving the nation's health and medical capabilities, both public and private; improving immigration and border control in an effort to restrict movement of weapons or potential terrorists into and inside the country; improving security against cyber attacks; improving preparedness at the state and local level; and clarifying the roles and missions of the military.

Fort Detrick in Frederick, Maryland, conducts research and develops vaccines to protect military personnel from biological agents. A spokesman there said a national research facility to develop vaccines for the civilian population would not duplicate efforts.

According to Gilmore, the president has already acted on several of the commissions recommendations, including establishing the Office of Homeland Security.

Congress established the panel in 1999 to evaluate the country's preparedness for terrorist attacks. The commission was charged with submitting three yearly reports to the president and the Congress. Next month's report will be the final one.