More information about the pilot program will be provided as plans are finalized. A total of six shots, given over a period of 18 months, are needed for a person to be fully vaccinated against anthrax. An annual booster shot will also be needed to maintain the effectiveness of the vaccine. The anthrax vaccine has been routinely given in the U.S. to veterinarians, laboratory workers and livestock handlers for more than 25 years. There have been no reports of any serious side effects.
Anthrax is a disease normally associated with plant-eating animals such as sheep and cattle.
Once common where livestock were raised, it is now controlled through animal vaccination programs. Human infection usually results from direct contact with infected animals or animal products. However, when anthrax is used as a biological weapon, breathing anthrax that is released in the air infects people. Symptoms generally occur one to six days after exposure, but they can occur as early as 24 hours or as late as seven weeks after breathing bacteria-infected spores. Death occurs anywhere from 24 to 36 hours after symptoms appear.