Anthrax vaccine
The anthrax vaccine is designed to prevent infection from anthrax, a potentially lethal disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Although it is not 100% effective, it is recognized as a highly effective preventative measure, particularly against cutaneous and inhalation forms of anthrax. The vaccine, known as Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed (BioThrax), was licensed for use in the United States in 1970 after successful trials and is estimated to be 92.5% effective. Vaccination is recommended primarily for individuals aged 18 to 65 who may encounter significant exposure to anthrax through their occupations, such as certain military roles or laboratory work.
The vaccine is administered in a series of five intramuscular doses, with annual boosters suggested to maintain immunity. While the vaccine is generally safe, it is contraindicated for those with severe allergic reactions to its components. Mild side effects may occur, including soreness at the injection site and fatigue, while serious reactions are rare but require immediate medical attention. Ongoing research is exploring new formulations and delivery methods for anthrax vaccines, indicating a commitment to enhancing protective measures against this serious disease.
Anthrax vaccine
Definition
The anthrax vaccine is used to prevent infection with anthrax, a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Although not 100 percent effective, it is a highly effective vaccine. The vaccine protects against cutaneous anthrax (the most common form) and inhalation anthrax. It is less effective against gastrointestinal and injection-related anthrax.
History and Development
The anthrax vaccine was licensed in 1970 in the United States after successful observational studies and trials of a precursor formulation in mills that processed imported animal hair. Based on this research, experts estimate that the vaccine is 92.5 percent effective. Only one anthrax vaccine is licensed for use in the United States (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed, or BioThrax), but new vaccine formulations have been in development.
Recommendations
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends vaccination against anthrax for persons between the ages of eighteen and sixty-five years who could be exposed to large amounts of B. anthracis as part of their jobs; these jobs include certain types of laboratory or remediation work, work with animals or animal products, and work in specific US Department of Defense-designated occupations (including certain military and associated personnel). Women who are nursing can safely receive the vaccine, and it may be recommended to pregnant women who have been exposed to inhalation anthrax. However, persons with a history of a severe allergic reaction to the vaccine or any other vaccine or vaccine component should not get the vaccine; healthcare providers may recommend against vaccination in sick persons and in persons with Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Administration
The vaccine is available through government agencies and occupational healthcare providers. The vaccine is administered into the muscle in five recommended doses (each 0.5 milliliter [mL]), the first when the risk for exposure is identified. The four follow-up doses are scheduled for weeks four, six, twelve, and eighteen after the first dose. Annual booster vaccinations are recommended to preserve immunity.
The vaccine can also be given to people who have already been exposed to anthrax. In these cases, the vaccine is given under the skin in three recommended doses only, each at 0.5 mL (after first exposure, then two and four weeks after the first dose).
Side Effects
A minimal risk of serious harm comes with the anthrax vaccine. Serious allergic reactions are infrequent; when they occur, they appear within the first hour of administration. Signs of a serious reaction that require immediate medical attention include trouble breathing, wheezing, rapid heartbeat, swelling, hives, hoarseness, dizziness, weakness, and paleness. Other potential problems are mild and include tenderness, redness, itching, or a lump or bruise at the injection site; muscle aches or limited movability of the arm following injection; headaches; and fatigue.
Impact
The use of the anthrax vaccine in persons at risk for anthrax infection is likely to prevent fatalities, which would otherwise be expected in up to 20 percent of cutaneous anthrax cases and the large majority of cases of inhalation anthrax.
New anthrax vaccines remained in development as well. A combination of the BioThrax vaccine and CPG 7909, a TLR9 agonist, was in development to treat post-exposure anthrax. Recombinant protein-based vaccines and newer formulations of existing vaccines were also being studied. Ongoing studies of the vaccine’s safety, its use in special populations, and new delivery methods were also occurring.
Bibliography
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