Anthrax vaccine: what you need to know.

Many Vaccine Information Statements are available in Spanish and other languages. 1 What is anthrax? Anthrax is a serious disease that can affect both animals and humans. It is caused by bacteria called Bacillus anthracis. People can get anthrax from contact with infected animals, wool, meat, or hides. Cutaneous anthrax. In its most common form, anthrax is a skin disease that causes skin ulcers and usually fever and fatigue. Up to 20% of these cases are fatal if untreated. Gastrointestinal anthrax. This form of anthrax can result from eating raw or undercooked infected meat. Inhalation anthrax. This form of anthrax occurs when B. anthracis is inhaled, and is very serious. The first symptoms can include a sore throat, mild fever and muscle aches. Within several days these symptoms are followed by severe breathing problems, shock, and often meningitis (inflammation of the brain and spinal cord covering). This form of anthrax requires hospitalization and aggressive treatment with antibiotics. It is often fatal. Anthrax vaccine protects against anthrax disease. The vaccine used in the United States does not contain B. anthracis cells and it does not cause anthrax. Anthrax vaccine was licensed in 1970. Based on limited but sound evidence, the vaccine protects against both cutaneous (skin) and inhalation anthrax. 3 Who should get anthrax vaccine and when? Anthrax vaccine is recommended for certain people 18 through 65 years of age who might be exposed to large amounts of B. anthracis bacteria on the job, including: • certain laboratory or remediation workers • some people handling animals or animal products • some military personnel, as determined by the Department of Defense These people should get 5 doses of vaccine (in the muscle): the first dose when risk of a potential exposure is identified, and the remaining doses at 4 weeks and 6, 12, and 18 months after the first dose. Annual booster doses are recommended for ongoing protection. If a dose is not given at the scheduled time, the series does not have to be started over. Resume the series as soon as practical. Anthrax vaccine is also recommended for unvaccinated people who have been exposed to anthrax in certain situations. These people should get 3 doses of vaccine (under the skin), with the first dose as soon after exposure as possible, and the 2nd and 3rd doses given 2 and 4 weeks after the first. 4 Some people should not get …