Anthrax is a lethal biological weapon we may encounter. Vaccination before exposure is a critical part of our protection 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 further enhanced through sophisticated early warning and detection systems, health surveillance measures, and the proper wear of the protective mask and over-garments.
Antibiotics play a limited role, but vaccination is essential.
The anthrax vaccine has been FDA licensed since 1970. This vaccine has been safely administered in the U.S. since 1970. However, as with other vaccines, minor reactions are common. Serious adverse events occur rarely after any vaccination. Like all vaccines, anthrax vaccine may cause soreness, redness, itching, and swelling at the injection site.