Anthrax is a disease caused by infection with spore-forming bacteria, which can enter the body through cuts in the skin, ingestion of undercooked meat, or inhalation. The anthrax vaccine helps prevent anthrax infection through exposure to an antigen protein that develops immunity but does not contain live or killed bacteria. Common mild side effects include redness, swelling, soreness, or itching near the injection site as well as tiredness. The vaccine is given as a series of 6 shots over 18 months followed by annual boosters to maintain protection.
2. Anthrax Vaccine
Anthrax is a disease caused by infection with spore-forming bacteria. It normally occurs
in people who are exposed to an infected animal or other source of the anthrax bacteria.
Anthrax is spread to a human through the skin, the stomach, or the lungs. The bacteria can
enter the skin through a cut or wound that comes into contact with products from an infected
animal. Infection can also occur through the lungs when a person inhales the bacterial spore or
through the stomach when a person eats undercooked meat from an infected animal.
The anthrax vaccine is used to help prevent this dangerous disease in people exposed to the
bacteria through the skin or lungs. This vaccine works by exposing you to an antigen protein
that causes your body to develop immunity to the disease. Anthrax vaccine does not contain
live or killed forms of the bacteria that cause anthrax. Anthrax vaccine will not treat an active
infection that has already developed in the body.
Before taking this medicine
You should not take this vaccine if you have had a life-threatening allergic reaction to an
anthrax vaccine before. To make sure anthrax vaccine is safe for you, make sure to tell your
doctor if you have:
●an allergy to latex, aluminum hydroxide, benzothonium chloride, or formaldehyde;
●a weak immune system caused by receiving certain medicines such as
steroids, chemotherapy or radiation;
Vaccines may be harmful to an unborn baby and generally should not be given to pregnant
women. On the other hand, not vaccinating the mother could be more harmful to the baby if
the mother becomes infected with a disease. Your doctor will ultimately decide whether you
should receive this vaccine, especially if you have a high risk of infection with anthrax.
3. What Are the Possible Side Effects?
Most people who get an anthrax vaccine do not have any serious problems with it. With any
medicine, including vaccines, there is a chance of possible side effects that appear after a while.
These are usually mild and go away on their own within a few days, but serious reactions are
possible as well.Mild problems following an anthrax vaccine can include:
●Reactions where the shot was given
●Redness
●Swelling
●Soreness or tenderness
●Itching
● Muscle aches or temporary limitation of movement in the arm where the shot was given
●Feeling tired
How is anthrax vaccine given?
The anthrax vaccine is usually given in a series of 6 shots. The first 3 shots are given 2 weeks
apart. The following three 3 shots are given 6, 12, and 18 months after the first shot. An annual
booster shot is then recommended every year during possible exposure to anthrax. Your
individual booster schedule may be different from these guidelines. Always make sure to follow
your doctor's instructions or the schedule recommended by the health department of the state
where you live. You may receive anthrax vaccine at the same time as other vaccines.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never ever
share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Always consult your doctor to ensure the information displayed on the prescription applies to
your personal circumstances.