Anthrax Vaccine : Possible Side Effects
Anthrax is
a disease caused by infection with spore-forming bacteria. It normally occurs
in people who are exposed to an infected animal or other source of the anthrax
bacteria. Anthrax is spread to a human through the skin, the stomach, or the
lungs. The bacteria can enter the skin through a cut or wound that comes into
contact with products from an infected animal. Infection can also occur through
the lungs when a person inhales the bacterial spore or through the stomach when
a person eats undercooked meat from an infected animal. The anthrax
vaccine is used to help prevent this dangerous disease in people exposed
to the bacteria through the skin or lungs. This vaccine works by exposing you
to an antigen protein that causes your body to develop immunity to the disease.
Anthrax vaccine does not contain live or killed forms of the bacteria that cause
anthrax. Anthrax vaccine will not treat an active infection that has already
developed in the body.
Before taking this medicine
You should
not take this vaccine if you have had a life-threatening allergic reaction toan anthrax vaccine before. To make sure anthrax vaccine is safe for you, make
sure to tell your doctor if you have:
- an allergy to latex, aluminum hydroxide, benzothonium chloride, or formaldehyde.
- a weak immune system caused by receiving certain medicines such as steroids, chemotherapy or radiation.
Vaccines
may be harmful to an unborn baby and generally should not be given to pregnant
women. On the other hand, not vaccinating the mother could be more harmful to
the baby if the mother becomes infected with a disease. Your doctor will
ultimately decide whether you should receive this vaccine, especially if you
have a high risk of infection with anthrax.
What Are the Possible Side Effects?
Most people
who get an anthrax vaccine do not have any serious problems with it. With any medicine,
including vaccines, there is a chance of possible side effects that appear
after a while. These are usually mild and go away on their own within a few
days, but serious reactions are possible as well.Mild problems following an
anthrax vaccine can include:
- Reactions where the shot was given
- Redness
- Swelling
- Soreness or tenderness
- Itching
- Muscle aches or temporary limitation of movement in the arm where the shot was given
- Feeling tired
How is anthrax vaccine given?
The anthrax
vaccine is usually given in a series of 6 shots. The first 3 shots are given 2
weeks apart. The following three 3 shots are given 6, 12, and 18 months after
the first shot. An annual booster shot is then recommended every year during
possible exposure to anthrax. Your individual booster schedule may be different
from these guidelines. Always make sure to follow your doctor's instructions or
the schedule recommended by the health department of the state where you live.
You may receive anthrax vaccine at the same time as other vaccines.
Remember,
keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of
children, never ever share your medicines with others, and use this medication
only for the indication prescribed. Always consult your doctor to ensure the
information displayed on the prescription applies to your personal
circumstances.
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