infections
Anthrax
Prevention of Anthrax
Vaccination Preventive antibiotics and sometimes other medications An anthrax vaccine can be given to people at high risk of infection (such as military personnel, veterinarians, laboratory technicians, and employees of textile mills processing imported goat hair). Because of anthrax’s potential as a Biological Weapons , most members of the armed forces have been vaccinated. To be effective, the vaccine must be given in five doses. A booster shot, given yearly, is also recommended. All of the shots are injected into a muscle. Animals can be given an animal vaccine as well. People who are exposed to inhalation anthrax are given an antibiotic by mouth, usuallyciprofloxacin,levofloxacin,doxycycline,moxifloxacin, orclindamycin. The antibiotic is continued for at least 60 days to prevent the infection from developing. These people are also given three doses of the vaccine at 0, 2, and 4 weeks. If these treatments are not available or people cannot receive them, they may be given injections of raxibacumab or obiltoxaximab (antibodies that can bind anthrax toxins in the person's system). 