Anthrax causes serious illness when inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin.
Some concerns about long-term side effects have been raised, but no direct link has been proven.
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What Is the Anthrax Vaccine?
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The anthrax vaccine, known as Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed (AVA), is aninactivated vaccinemade by BioThrax.
It also greatly increases the likelihood of survival after inhaling anthrax, which is the deadliest form of exposure.
Is the Vaccine Still Given?
Yes, the anthrax vaccine is still given.
The initial vaccine was a live nontoxic strain of the anthrax bacteriaBacillusanthracis.
These vaccines work best when given along with certain antibiotics.
BioThrax is also approved for prevention in people at high risk of anthrax exposure.
The same IOM report also concluded that the anthrax vaccine is effective for protecting humans from anthrax.
Potential Side Effects
Most people who get the anthrax vaccine do not have any problems.
Is Anthrax Vaccine Linked to Multiple Sclerosis?
Several independent scientific groups have assessed the long-term side effects of the anthrax vaccine.
To date, no evidence has been found to support claims that the vaccine causesmultiple sclerosisor other long-term illnesses.
Is Anthrax Survivable?
Anthrax is a rare disease resulting from a bacteria calledBacillus anthracisthat lives in the soil.
Can Anthrax Be Cured?
Healthcare providers can treat all types of anthrax with antibiotics if they diagnose it early.
A veteran can apply for disability for long-term side effects from any vaccine, including anthrax.
However, there currently is no proven link between anthrax and specific long-term symptoms.
Summary
Anthrax infection is rare but often fatal.
Select U.S. military personnel are required to get the anthrax vaccine to prevent anthrax infection in high-risk situations.
Vaccination requires five initial doses and annual boosters.
There is no proven link between long-term illness and vaccination.
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