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Anthrax

Anthrax Vaccine Resource Center

Important information about social-media rumors regarding anthrax vaccine

Anthrax Vaccine and Long-Term Health Concerns (information paper)

Questions and Answers about Anthrax Vaccine and Squalene

Anthrax bacteriaAnthrax is a serious infectious disease caused by gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria known as Bacillus anthracis. It forms spores that can be found naturally in soil, commonly affecting domestic and wild animals around the world. Although it is rare in the United States, people can get sick with anthrax if they come in contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products.

When anthrax spores get inside the body, the bacteria can multiply, spread out in the body, produce toxins (poisons), and cause severe illness.  Anthrax can enter the body through the skin (cutaneous); through ingesting contaminated food or water (gastrointestinal); intravenously (rare); or by inhalation, the deadliest form of the disease and the one most likely to be used as a biological weapon.

The anthrax vaccine has been licensed in the U.S. since 1970, and has been proven safe and effective at preventing anthrax disease, regardless of the route of exposure.  The immunization is required for deployment to U.S. Central Command and the Korean Peninsula, as well as for designated NORTHCOM personnel, emergency response and other units.  It is given in a five-dose series at 0, 4 weeks, 6 months, 12 months and 18 months, with yearly boosters to maintain immunity.

Vaccination and antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, and amoxicillin, are the most important therapeutic interventions for any form of anthrax exposure.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Anthrax Infections and Anthrax Vaccine

Fact Sheet
3/9/2020

This information paper describes anthrax infections and the vaccine to prevent them.

MMQC-19-2533 BIOTHRAX (ANTHRAX) Beyond-Use Dating

Publication
11/7/2019

MMQC-19-1082 RESUME USE of BIOTHRAX (ANTHRAX), MDV (10-DOSE) / Joint Vaccine Acquisition Program (JVAP)

Publication
1/11/2019

MMQC-19-1050 - BIOTHRAX (ANTHRAX), MDV (10-DOSE)/Joint Vaccine Acquisition Program (JVAP)

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When Pregnancy Is Discovered After Anthrax Vaccination

Fact Sheet
10/23/2018

This paper provides information for women who discover they are pregnant after receiving BioThrax® (anthrax) vaccination.

MMQC-17-1787 Cessation of Mandatory Anthrax and Smallpox Vaccinations for Routine Adult Immunization Medical Readiness

Publication
6/7/2018

Cessation of Mandatory Anthrax and Smallpox Vaccinations for Routine Adult Immunization Medical Readiness

Policy

Mandatory administration of anthrax and smallpox vaccines for requirements not listed in existing guidance must be authorized by an approved Exception to Policy (ETP).

Anthrax Vaccine Myth vs. Fact

Infographic
4/25/2018
Anthrax Vaccine Myth vs. Fact

Anthrax Myth vs. Fact infographic

MMQC-16-1963 Anthrax Vaccine Multi-Dose Vial

Publication
8/31/2016

Clarifying Guidance for Smallpox and Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Programs

Policy

MARADMIN ANTHRAX VACCINE IMMUNIZATION PROGRAM UPDATE

Policy

MARADMIN ANTHRAX VACCINE IMMUNIZATION PROGRAM (AVIP) UPDATE

  • Identification #: N/A
  • Date: 8/10/2011
  • Type: Directives
  • Topics: Anthrax

Department of Defense Participation in BioThrax Post Licensure Requirements

Policy

Department of Defense Participation in BioThrax Post-Licensure Requirements

  • Identification #: N/A
  • Date: 4/14/2011
  • Type: Directives
  • Topics: Anthrax

Suspension of Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed Registry Reporting Requirements

Policy
  • Identification #: N/A
  • Date: 3/25/2010
  • Type: Memorandums
  • Topics: Anthrax

BUMED CLINICAL POLICY FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE ANTHRAX VACCINE ADSORBED UPDATE

Policy

BUMED CLINICAL POLICY FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE ANTHRAX VACCINE ADSORBED (AVA) UPDATE

  • Identification #: N/A
  • Date: 11/5/2009
  • Type: Directives
  • Topics: Anthrax

Clinical Policy for the Administration of the Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed

Policy
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Last Updated: May 05, 2023
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