Anthrax is a lethal biological weapon. Vaccination before exposure is critical to protect us against this weapon. Vaccination is a vital component of Force Health Protection. Being fully vaccinated greatly increases your chances of surviving an exposure to anthrax. Force Health Protection is enhanced through early warning and detection systems, and proper wear of protective gear.
Antibiotics play a limited role, but vaccination is essential.
As with other vaccines, minor reactions are common. Serious adverse events may occur rarelyafter any vaccination, but they are rare. Like other vaccines, anthrax vaccine may cause burning, soreness, redness, itching, and swelling at the injection site. Larger reactions occur about once per hundred vaccinees. A lump at the site occurs commonly, usually lasting for a few weeks, before going away on its own, if left alone.