ANTHRAX VACCINE

Members of the United States armed forces are receiving anthrax vaccine because of the threat of biologic terrorism using this organism. Concerns have been raised about the vaccine, but the experience to date has revealed no unexpected or unusual side effects. The Institute for Vaccine Safety has not conducted an independent assessment of the safety or effectiveness of anthrax vaccine, but is providing links for interested readers.

The US Department of Defense announced the continuation of the anthrax and smallpox vaccination programs. The programs will be expanded to also include units in the Pacific region, the Middle East and South Korea. Dr. William Winkenwerder, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, indicated that these changes were the result of availability of additional smallpox and anthrax vaccine - not an increased risk of of biological warfare in those regions. (June 30, 2004) IOM Report: The Anthrax Vaccine: Is It Safe● Does It Work● reports the study’s conclusion that the vaccine is acceptably safe and effective in protecting humans against anthrax. The book also includes a description of advances needed in main areas: improving the way the vaccine is now used, expanding surveillance efforts to detect side effects from its use, and developing a better vaccine. (March 6, 2002).   Center for Biosecurity at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center - As of November 1, 2003, the faculty and staff formerly of the Johns Hopkins Center for Civilian Biodefense Strategies are now affiliated with the Center for Biosecurity of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). The Center for Biosecurity has information on Anthrax, as well as other Biological Weapon Agents Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Information page on Anthrax Information on Bioterrrorism and Related Issues    Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices -  Use of anthrax vaccine in the United States.  web version; pdf (39 page Adobe Acrobat file) MMWR Publications Investigation of Bioterrorism-Related Anthrax and Interim Guidelines for Exposure Management and Antimicrobial Therapy  October 26, 2001 / 50(42);909-919 Investigation of Anthrax Associated with Intentional Exposure and Interim Public Health Guidelines October 19, 2001 / 50(41);889-893 Recognition of Illness Associated with the Intentional Release of a Biologic Agent October 19, 2001 / 50(41);893-7 U.S. Department of Defense  Anthrax: the threat, the disease and the vaccine Q&A World Health Organization Guidelines on Anthrax: frequently asked questions

This page was last updated on March 11, 2009 © 2007 Institute for Vaccine Safety