Anthrax Vaccine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

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What do I need to know about the anthrax vaccine?

The vaccine may be given before exposure to anthrax bacteria to prevent infection. After exposure, the vaccine is given together with antibiotics to prevent anthrax disease. The vaccine helps your body create antibodies against the bacteria that cause anthrax. This vaccine is approved for adults 18 to 65 years old.

What increases my risk for anthrax exposure?

• You work directly with the bacteria, such as in a lab.
• You are in active military service.
• You plan to travel to a high-risk area.
• You are a farmer, veterinarian, or livestock worker.
• You are a medical provider or emergency responder and may be exposed to the bacteria through work.

How is the anthrax vaccine given?

• Before exposure , you will receive a dose in an upper arm muscle. Then you will get doses 1, 6, 12, and 18 months after the first dose. You will need booster shots each year you are still at high risk for exposure.
• After exposure , you will receive a dose into the skin of your upper arm. Then you will get doses 2 and 4 weeks after the first dose. You will also get antibiotics.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before I get the anthrax vaccine?

• You think you were exposed to anthrax.
• You have any severe allergies, including to latex.
• You know or think you are pregnant. Your healthcare provider will tell you when to get the vaccine, depending on your risk for infection.
• You have a weakened immune system.

What are reasons I should not get the anthrax vaccine?

• You are pregnant and not at high risk for infection.
• You had a serious allergic reaction to a dose of the vaccine.
• You have a known allergy to any component (part) of the vaccine.
• You have a weakened immune system.
• You have ever had anthrax.

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What are reasons I should wait to get the anthrax vaccine?

Tell your healthcare provider if you have a fever or illness on the vaccine appointment day. Your provider may wait to give you the vaccine until the fever or illness is gone.

What are the risks of the anthrax vaccine?

You may still get anthrax, even after you receive the vaccine. You may develop a headache, abdominal pain, nausea, or diarrhea. You may also feel more tired than usual or lose your appetite. These are usually mild and should go away quickly. You may have an allergic reaction to the vaccine. Rarely, this may become severe or life-threatening.

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

• Your mouth and throat are swollen.
• You are wheezing or have trouble breathing.
• You have chest pain, or your heart is beating faster than usual for you.
• You feel like you are going to faint.

When should I seek immediate care?

• Your face is red or swollen.
• You have hives that spread over your body.
• You feel weak or dizzy.

When should I call my doctor?

• You have abdominal pain, nausea, or diarrhea.
• You lose your appetite.
• You have a headache or feel more tired than usual.
• You have questions or concerns about the anthrax vaccine.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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