Anthrax is rare, and most people will never be exposed to it. But certain jobs, hobbies and activities raise the risk, and anthrax can be deadly without quick action after exposure, including exposure in a bioterrorism event. Anthrax is not contagious: it cannot be caught from another person the way a cold or flu can. Anyone who thinks they have been exposed should see a health care professional immediately.
Before exposure: vaccination for people at risk
Some people at higher risk are advised to be vaccinated before any exposure, called pre-exposure prophylaxis. The anthrax vaccine is approved for adults aged 18 to 65 in certain jobs and is given as 5 shots over 18 months, followed by yearly boosters. It is recommended for:
- some laboratory workers who work with anthrax
- some members of the U.S. military
- people who handle animals or animal products for work
People who are pregnant, or who have had a serious allergic reaction to the anthrax vaccine or are severely allergic to any of its ingredients, should not be vaccinated; people with other severe allergies should tell their doctor first. Workers whose employer recommends or requires the vaccine can ask the employer to provide it or refer them to a clinic, or contact the state health department.
After exposure: vaccine and antibiotics
Taking action after possible exposure is called post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
Vaccine. Two anthrax vaccines are approved by the FDA for people aged 18 to 65 after possible exposure:
| Vaccine | Schedule |
|---|---|
| Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed (BioThrax) | 3 shots over 4 weeks |
| Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed, Adjuvanted (CYFENDUS) | 2 shots, 2 weeks apart |
In an emergency, public health officials will say who should be vaccinated. People who cannot receive the vaccine because of a past serious reaction or an ingredient allergy should take antibiotics for 60 days.
Antibiotics. Anthrax is a bacterial disease, and certain antibiotics taken after exposure can prevent illness. People who are vaccinated after exposure also receive antibiotics for up to 60 days.
In an anthrax emergency
In an emergency in which people may have breathed in anthrax bacteria, officials will likely provide an antibiotic, either doxycycline or ciprofloxacin, and say who should take it. Start as soon as possible after the emergency begins. The medicine is taken twice a day for up to 60 days; most people get a 10-day supply at first, and officials will say whether more is needed and how to get it. Keep taking it for as long as directed and do not stop early. Questions can go to a health care provider.
More information
The FDA's anthrax vaccine pages, the Vaccine Information Statement, and the BioThrax and CYFENDUS package inserts give more detail. Members of the U.S. military can visit the Department of Defense's anthrax immunization pages or call 1-877-438-8222.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Prevention" (Anthrax). https://www.cdc.gov/anthrax/prevention/index.html
- CDC, "Occupational Exposure": https://www.cdc.gov/anthrax/prevention/occupational-exposure.html; anthrax Vaccine Information Statement: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/anthrax.html; FDA, Anthrax: https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/vaccines/anthrax
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