Anthrax: Prevention

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Prevention

Before exposure to anthrax

Vaccination (What is a PDF document?) before exposure to anthrax bacteria can prevent infection. The vaccine is given in a series of six injections over 18 months , followed by a yearly booster shot.

Currently, the vaccine is not recommended for or available to the public. The U.S. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommended that only people at high risk of exposure be given the anthrax vaccine. This includes some laboratory workers, people who come in contact with imported animals (such as veterinarians who travel to work in other countries), and military personnel. Pregnant women should be vaccinated only if absolutely necessary.

After exposure to anthrax

Experts recommend the vaccine—three doses given 2 weeks apart—along with antibiotics taken for 60 days to prevent infection after exposure to anthrax. Ciprofloxacin or doxycycline are the recommended antibiotics.^{1, 5}

The vaccine has potential side effects, including fever, headache, joint pain, and fatigue.

Antibiotic treatment usually can keep symptoms from developing. Just because you have been exposed to anthrax spores does not mean you will develop an infection. If antibiotics are given quickly, the spores may not have a chance to germinate and cause infection.

Taking antibiotics to prevent anthrax is strongly discouraged unless you have been directly exposed to anthrax spores. Only those people who have been advised by their doctors and who have a clear indication that they have been exposed to spores are being given antibiotics. If antibiotics are overused or misused, bacteria can become resistant to them. In addition, antibiotics can cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and headaches.

Last updated:	June 20, 2008
Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Christine Hahn, MD - Epidemiology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC