You may have heard of Anthrax. This is a dangerous bacterial infection. People who come into contact with animals are especially at risk. So, the Anthrax Vaccine is used to protect against this serious infection. But it is not a vaccine that is given to everyone. So, today we will talk in detail about this vaccine, who it is given to, and what it can do.
What exactly is the Anthrax Vaccine?
Simply put, this is a vaccine that prevents the development of anthrax. But it has a few special features.
- Not a vaccine for everyone: Like the vaccines we get from childhood, this is not a vaccine for everyone in the country. It is only given to people who are at very high risk of exposure to anthrax. For example, people who work with animals (especially cattle and sheep) or their fur, such as veterinarians, or people who research this bacterium in laboratories may be at risk.
- It is not a treatment given after infection: This is an important point. This vaccine is not given as a treatment for anthrax after infection. It is given before the disease develops, only to protect against it.
- The vaccine does not cause disease: Some people may be afraid that getting the vaccine will cause disease. This is not the case. The vaccine is designed to prepare your body's immune system to fight the anthrax bacteria, not to cause you to get the disease.
Things you need to tell your doctor before getting vaccinated
It is important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition before giving you this vaccine. Therefore, if any of the following apply to you, be sure to tell your doctor .
- If you have already been exposed to anthrax or have an infection.
- If you currently have a fever or other infection.
- If you have previously had a nervous system condition called Guillain-Barre syndrome.
- If you have a weakened immune system (e.g. HIV infection, cancer treatment).
- If you have previously had a severe allergic reaction to a vaccine, latex, other medications, foods, dyes, etc.
- If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Based on this information, the doctor will decide whether or not it is appropriate for you to receive this vaccine.
How to administer the vaccine and what to consider
This vaccine is given only by a qualified health professional in a hospital or clinic. It is not a medicine you can take home. It is usually given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous) or into a muscle (intramuscular) .
Important: To get the full protection from this vaccine, you must get all the booster doses given at the prescribed intervals. So do not skip the dates given by your doctor. If for some reason you cannot go on the scheduled date, inform your doctor and schedule another date.
What if I accidentally overdose?
This is given in a hospital setting, so the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you suspect that you have received an overdose of the vaccine, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately. Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other medicines that may interact with this vaccine
Some medications you are taking can affect the effectiveness of this vaccine, especially those that suppress the immune system. So tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
| Drug category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Immune-suppressing drugs | Drugs such as adalimumab, anakinra, and infliximab. |
| Drugs given for cancer | Many anti-cancer drugs suppress the immune system. |
| Steroid-type drugs | Medications such as prednisone and cortisone. |
Possible side effects after receiving the vaccine
As with any vaccine, this vaccine can cause some side effects. While most of these are minor, there are some things we should be especially aware of.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor or ETU immediately | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Breathing difficulties | Difficulty breathing, chest tightness. |
| Changes in vision or hearing | Blurred vision, ringing in the ears. |
| High fever | Fever greater than 101 Fahrenheit (38.3 Celsius). |
| Seizures | Sudden convulsions. |
| Unusual bruising or bleeding | Easy bruising or bleeding that won't stop. |
| Extreme fatigue | Unusual fatigue and weakness. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Pain/swelling at the injection site | Soreness, redness, bruising, or swelling at the injection site. |
| Body aches and headaches | Body aches, muscle aches, and general headaches. |
| Mild fever and chills | A slight fever and a feeling of being cold. |
| Loss of appetite and nausea | Loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting. |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, talk to your doctor about them as well.
Take-Home Message
- The anthrax vaccine is not a routine vaccine given to everyone. It is only given to those at high risk of exposure to anthrax.
- This vaccine will never cause anthrax. It is only a protection against the disease.
- It is essential to inform your doctor about your complete health history and all medications you are taking before receiving the vaccine.
- If you experience a serious side effect such as severe allergic reactions, difficulty breathing, or high fever, seek medical advice immediately.
- Always follow your doctor's instructions. If you have any questions about the vaccine, ask your doctor.
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