Probably protects against inhalant exposure based on animal studies and occupational experience. Vaccine may be less effective with overwhelming challenge of inhaled spores. Yearly after primary series.
Vaccination is necessary to produce immunity and prevent illness after antibiotic withdrawal.
Case-fatality rate is high following onset of pulmonary signs and symptoms. Approximately 7 to 8 percent of recipients do not show any antibody response to the vaccine. The standard schedule that is recommended is 1.0 ml IM, followed by 0.2 ml IM 1 to 3 months later, and 0.2 ml IM at 3 to 6 months. Extrapolations from animal studies indicate that at least 3 doses will yield protective immune response to intradermal challenge at 4-7 months under the current dose schedule. Recipients should receive 3 additional doses of a 0.2 ml IM booster every 6 months after the primary series, and then 0.2 ml every 1 to 2 years subsequently for continued protection.