However, according to Bigham, the Anthrax vaccine does not contain living or dead anthrax organisms. Many Sailors on USS Kitty Hawk, which has several hundred Sailors onboard already participating in the vaccination program, share the sentiment that the vaccine is critical to reducing their risks. A lot of countries can use it against us. It s a cheap weapon available to our enemies. It s a cheap way to get at us.
Anthrax spreads through airborne spores which are dormant microorganisms.
Anthrax infection in humans is usually a result of direct contact with infected animals or animal products, such as wool, meat or hides. But in a dry form, anthrax may be stored, ground into dust and eventually released as spores by a bomb burst in the air. It is in this form, used as a biological weapon, that breathing the airborne spores infects people. If a person is not vaccinated, the consequences can be severe. Once inhaled, a person will initially experience fever and a cough.