What is the Anthrax vaccine?
Anthrax can be an extremely serious illness that can quickly spread throughout the body. It is fatal in a significant number of cases, particularly when it's acquired through the lung.Anthrax vaccines can be used to prevent anthrax infection in adults. The anthrax vaccine does not cure an active disease that has already begun to develop within the body.The anthrax vaccine is applied prior to exposure for those who could be exposed to anthrax bacteria in particular working environments, during travel, or while serving in the military. The anthrax vaccine is combined with antibiotics following exposure to those who have come into contact with anthrax-related bacteria.The vaccine is effective through exposure to an antigen-specific protein that creates immunity against the disease. The anthrax vaccine doesn't contain live or dead types of the bacteria that cause anthrax.As with all vaccines, the anthrax vaccine is not guaranteed to provide immunity from the disease to everyone.
Side effects of Anthrax vaccine:
Note down any and all adverse consequences you may experience following the administration of the vaccine. If you get an additional dose, you'll need to inform the doctor if the first shot caused any adverse or negative effects.Infection with anthrax is far more harmful for your health than getting this vaccine. But, as with all medicines, the vaccine could cause adverse effects, but the chance of serious adverse side effects is extremely low.Contact a medical professional immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction, like hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of your lips, face, tongue, throat, or face,
The anthrax vaccine may cause serious side effects. Contact your physician immediately. If you suffer from:
- a feeling of lightheadedness that makes you feel like you're about to pass out.
- fever, body aches, chills, sickness, flu symptoms,
- A large swelling or lump in the area where the shot was administered.
Common adverse effects are:
- swelling, redness, or tenderness at the site where the shot was administered.
- difficulty in moving the arm injected;
- muscle pain;
- fainting;
- being exhausted and tired;
- headache.
This is not a comprehensive list of possible side effects, and other side effects could occur. Contact your physician immediately in order to seek medical advice about its consequences. You may report adverse reactions to the US Department of Health and Human Services by dialling 1 800 822 7967.
Warnings
Take only according to the directions. Talk to your doctor if you take other medications or suffer from any other medical condition or allergies.
Before you take this drug
It is not recommended to get this vaccine if you have ever experienced a life-threatening allergic reaction to the Anthrax vaccine.
Contact your physician if you are suffering from:
- an allergy to the latex aluminium hydroxide, benzothonium chloride, formaldehyde;
- a weak immune system that is caused by the use of certain medications, like chemotherapy, steroids, or radiation.
- If you are taking blood thinners (Warfarin, Coumadin, or Jantoven),
Could cause harm to a baby who is not yet born. Tell your doctor that you're pregnant.If you're expecting, then your name might be added to a registry for pregnant women to monitor the effects of the anthrax vaccine on the infant.Check with your doctor to see whether it is safe to breastfeed during the course of the anthrax vaccination.
How to take Anthrax vaccine?
The vaccine is administered by injecting it into the muscle or beneath the skin.
The anthrax vaccine is recommended prior to exposure to adults aged 18–65 in the following circumstances:
- those who handle anthrax in a laboratory or workplace setting
- those who deal with animal hides or furs that are imported from regions in which anthrax is a common occurrence;
- individuals who handle meat and other animal products in regions in which anthrax is a common occurrence;
- vets who go to nations where the disease is prevalent
- Military personnel are at risk of being exposed to biological warfare when anthrax could be employed as a weapon.
When administered following exposure, the anthrax vaccine can be administered in conjunction with antibiotic treatment. Make sure you use your antibiotics for the duration of the prescription, even if you feel well.The anthrax vaccine is administered in a series. A booster shot every year is recommended in case of contact with anthrax. Follow the advice of your physician or the booster schedule suggested by the department of health in the state where you live.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Anthrax Prophylaxis:
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis:
The primary series was 0.5 millilitres intramuscularly from 0 to 12 months.
The Booster Series: 0.5 mL intramuscularly 6 and 12 months following the primary series, and at intervals of 12 months following that
Pre-exposure prophylaxis among patients who are at risk of developing bleeding hematomas from intramuscular injections
Primary series: 0.5 mg subcutaneously, at 0, 2, 3, and 4 days, and at 6 months
The Booster Series: 0.5 mg subcutaneously between 6 and 12 months post-primary series, and at 12-month intervals thereafter.
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis:
The primary series: 0.5 mg subcutaneously for 0, 2, and 4 weeks following exposure. with antimicrobial therapy
Comments:
The effectiveness of post-exposure prophylaxis is based only on animal models for anthrax inhalation.
The best schedule for catching up on delayed or missed booster doses isn't known.
Uses:
Active immunisation of patients between 18 and 65 years old to prevent exposure in patients exposed to high-risk
Patients aged 18–65 to prevent post-exposure ailment after Bacillus anthracis infection, used in conjunction with antibacterials
What happens if I miss the dose?
Inform your doctor if you have missed a dose of booster or if you are at the wrong time. The next dose should be administered when it is possible. There is no reason to restart the treatment.Make sure that you get all the doses recommended by this vaccine. It is possible that you are not fully protected from disease if you are not receiving the complete range.
What happens if I overdose?
A high dose of this vaccine is highly unlikely.
What should be avoided?
Follow the instructions of your physician regarding any limitations on foods, drinks, or activities.
Interaction with other drugs
Before you receive this vaccine, inform your doctor of all other vaccines you've recently received.
Also, inform your physician if you've recently taken medications or treatments that could weaken your immune system, such as:
- steroid medicine;
- treatments for cancer treatments;
- medications to treat the symptoms of psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other auto-immune disorders; treatment for autoimmune disorders such as
- drugs to help treat or prevent organ donation
If you're taking any of these medicines or medications, you may not be able to receive the vaccine or have to wait until other treatments have finished.This list isn't exhaustive. Other medications can influence this vaccine, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. There are many possible interactions between drugs that are listed here.
