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.
Larger reactions occur about once per hundred vaccinees or less.
A lump at the site occurs commonly, usually lasting for a few weeks, before going away on its own, if left alone. These symptoms usually go away in less than a week. Serious events, such as those requiring hospitalization, are rare for any vaccine. For anthrax vaccine, they happen about once per 50,000 doses. Severe allergic reactions occur less than once per 100,000 doses.