anthrax vaccine

What is the most important information I should know about anthrax vaccine?

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

What is anthrax vaccine?

Anthrax is a serious disease that can spread quickly throughout the body and it is fatal in a high number of cases, especially when acquired through the lungs.

Anthrax vaccine is used to help prevent anthrax disease in adults. Anthrax vaccine will not treat an active infection that has already developed in the body.

Anthrax vaccine is used before exposure in people who may come into contact with anthrax bacteria in certain work settings, while traveling, or during military service. Anthrax vaccine is used together with antibiotics after exposure in people who have already come into contact with anthrax bacteria.

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 causes anthrax.

Like any vaccine, the anthrax vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving anthrax vaccine?

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• 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; or
• if you take a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven).

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of anthrax vaccine on the baby.

How is anthrax vaccine given?

This vaccine is given as an injection (shot) into a muscle or under the skin.

Anthrax vaccine is recommended before exposure for adults age 18 through 65 in the following situations:

• people who handle anthrax bacteria in a laboratory or other work setting;
• people who handle animal hides or furs imported from areas where anthrax is common;
• people who handle meat or other animal products in areas where anthrax is common;
• veterinarians who travel to countries where anthrax is common; and
• military personnel at risk of exposure through potential biological warfare when anthrax may be used as a weapon.

The anthrax vaccine is given in a series of shots. An annual booster shot is also recommended every year during possible exposure to anthrax. Follow your doctor's instructions or the booster schedule recommended by the health department of the state where you live.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Be sure you receive all recommended doses of this vaccine. You may not be fully protected against disease if you do not receive the full series.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of this vaccine is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid before or after receiving anthrax vaccine?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What are the possible side effects of anthrax vaccine?

Becoming infected with anthrax is much more dangerous to your health than receiving this vaccine. However, like any medicine, this vaccine can cause side effects but the risk of serious side effects is extremely low.

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• fever, chills, body aches, nausea, flu symptoms; or
• severe swelling or a hard lump where the shot was given.

Common side effects include:

• redness, swelling, or tenderness where the shot was given;
• trouble moving the injected arm;
• muscle pain;
• fainting;
• feeling tired; or
• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report vaccine side effects to the US Department of Health and Human Services at 1 800 822 7967.

What other drugs will affect anthrax vaccine?

Also, tell your doctor if you have recently received drugs or treatments that can weaken the immune system, including:

• steroid medicine;
• cancer treatments;
• medicine to treat psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders; or
• medicines to treat or prevent organ transplant rejection.

If you are using any of these medications, you may not be able to receive the vaccine, or may need to wait until the other treatments are finished.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect this vaccine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about this vaccine. Additional information is available from your local health department or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.