anthrax vaccine adsorbed Information - Drugs and Treatments

What is anthrax vaccine?

Anthrax is a disease caused by infection with a spore-forming bacteria. It usually occurs in animals such as sheep, goats, cattle, deer, antelope, and other herbivores. Anthrax can also occur 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 (such as meat, wool, hide, or hair). 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.

Anthrax is most common in agricultural regions lacking in good veterinary prevention programs, especially in Africa, Asia, Central and South America, the Carribean, the Middle East and Southeastern Europe. Although less common, anthrax does occur in the United States each year among both wild game animals and domestic livestock.

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.

The anthrax vaccine is used to help prevent this 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 causes anthrax.

Anthrax vaccine will not treat an active infection that has already developed in the body.

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

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking anthrax vaccine?

You should not receive this vaccine if you have ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to an anthrax vaccine, or if you have ever had anthrax disease acquired through the skin.

Before receiving this vaccine, tell the doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any type of vaccine, or if you have:

an allergy to latex rubber;
a weak immune system caused by disease (such as cancer, HIV, or AIDS), or by taking certain medicines;
a history of infection with anthrax;
a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome;
if you are pregnant or breast-feeding; or
if you have received cancer chemotherapy, radiation treatment, or steroid medications in the past 3 months.

You can still receive a vaccine if you have a cold or mild fever. In the case of a more severe illness with a high fever or any type of infection, wait until you get better before receiving this vaccine.

Vaccines generally should not be given to a pregnant woman. However, not vaccinating the mother could be more harmful to the baby if the mother becomes infected with a disease that this vaccine could prevent. Your doctor will decide whether you should receive this vaccine, especially if you have a high risk of infection with anthrax.

How should I take anthrax vaccine?

This vaccine is given as an injection (shot) under the skin. You will receive this injection in a doctor's office or other clinic setting.

Anthrax vaccine is recommended for adults 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 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. 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.

What happens if I miss a dose of anthrax vaccine?

Contact your doctor if you will miss a booster dose or if you get behind schedule. The next dose should be given as soon as possible. There is no need to start over.

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

Where can I get more information about anthrax vaccine?

Your pharmacist has information about anthrax vaccine written for health professionals that you may read.



	Leave a Note for Just a note Hugs Thinking of you Thank You Welcome Prayer Feel better Congrats! Happy Thanksgiving Just a quick note to say hi! Add as friend Post It Never Mind 800 character limit exceeded Just a quick note to say hi! You deserve a big bear hug! You're in my thoughts all the time, but especially today. Thank you for everything! Welcome to our community! You are in my thoughts and prayers. Hope you feel better soon! Congratulations! Time for a celebration... Happy Thanksgiving!

anthrax vaccine adsorbed

Information, Symptoms, Treatments and Resources

What is anthrax vaccine?