Vaccine Preventable Diseases

Anthrax

ACIP Recs | References | VIS | WHO modules | Archives

Infants and Children

• Recommendations for use of Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed (AVA) in children are made on an event-by-event basis

Adults

• 3-dose subcutaneous (SC) series: first dose administered as soon as possible, second and third doses administered 2 and 4 wks after the first dose

For More Information

• ACIP recommendations: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/acip-recs/vacc-specific/anthrax.html
• Immunization schedules: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/index.html

Some members of the United States armed forces are receiving anthrax vaccine because of the threat of biologic terrorism using this organism. Concerns have been raised about the vaccine, but the experience to date has revealed no unexpected or unusual side effects. The Institute for Vaccine Safety has not conducted an independent assessment of the safety or effectiveness of anthrax vaccine, but is providing links for interested readers.

• King JC Jr, et al. Evaluation of anthrax vaccine safety in 18 to 20 year olds: A first step towards age de-escalation studies in adolescents. abstract | Vaccine 2015;33(21):2470.
• Stewart B, et al. Health-related quality of life in the CDC Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed Human Clinical Trial. abstract | Vaccine 2012;30(40):5875-9.
• Murphy D, et al. A longitudinal study of UK military personnel offered anthrax vaccination: informed choice, symptom reporting, uptake and pre-vaccination health. abstract | Vaccine 2012;30(6):1094-100.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Anthrax
• World Health Organization - Anthrax
• US Military Health System/Defense Health Agency - Anthrax