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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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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).

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

ALMAJCOM SG CHANGE IN ADMINISTRATION ROUTE AND DOSING SCHEDULE FOR THE ANTHRAX VACCINE ADSORBED

Policy

ALMAJCOM/SG CHANGE IN ADMINISTRATION ROUTE AND DOSING SCHEDULE FOR THE ANTHRAX VACCINE ADSORBED

  • Identification #: N/A
  • Date: 1/14/2009
  • Type: Directives
  • Topics: Anthrax

ALCOAST ANTHRAX VACCINE CHANGE IN ROUTE OF ADMINISTRATION AND IN DOSING SCHEDULE

Policy

ALCOAST ANTHRAX VACCINE - CHANGE IN ROUTE OF ADMINISTRATION AND IN DOSING SCHEDULE

  • Identification #: N/A
  • Date: 1/5/2009
  • Type: Directives
  • Topics: Anthrax

Assistance in Informing Department of Defense (DoD) Personnel of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Program to Collect Plasma from Anthrax Vaccinees

Policy
  • Identification #: N/A
  • Date: 12/21/2007
  • Type: Memorandums
  • Topics: Anthrax

Coast Guard Anthrax Vaccine immunization Program

Policy
  • Identification #: N/A
  • Date: 9/10/2007
  • Type: Memorandums
  • Topics: Anthrax

ALMAJCOM IMPLEMENTATION OF MANDATORY ANTHRAX VACCINE IMMUNIZATION PROGRAM

Policy
  • Identification #: N/A
  • Date: 2/16/2007
  • Type: Directives
  • Topics: Anthrax

DoD Immunization Program for Biological Warfare Defense AFEB 2005-06

Policy

Exception to Policy for Anthrax Vaccination

Policy
  • Identification #: N/A
  • Date: 8/16/2005
  • Type: Memorandums
  • Topics: Anthrax

Implementation of Resumption of the Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program (AVIP) under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA)

Policy
  • Identification #: N/A
  • Date: 4/29/2005
  • Type: Directives
  • Topics: Anthrax
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Last Updated: May 05, 2023
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