What is anthrax and where can I get anthrax vaccine?

Anthrax is not transmitted from person to person. Those who come into contact with persons sick from anthrax cannot acquire the disease.

Anthrax is an acute infectious disease caused by spore-forming bacteria. In humans it is a rare disease usually associated with persons who have contact with dead animals or animal products such as wool, hair or hides as a result of their occupations. It can be spread through breathing in anthrax spores, through the skin when the skin comes into contact with infected animal products or contaminated soil, or through ingesting contaminated undercooked meat. Inhaled anthrax is very rare with only 18 confirmed cases from 1900-1976. The cases identified in Fall 2001 were the only known inhaled anthrax cases in the US in the last 25 years.

At this time public health officials do not recommend routine vaccinations of civilians with anthrax vaccine. Anthrax vaccine is not available except to members of the military. Anthrax vaccination requires six injections over an 18-month period with periodic boosters. The vaccine appears to be about 93 percent effective.