Anthrax Vaccine:: What You Need To Know
Anthrax Vaccine:: What You Need To Know
Anthrax Vaccine:: What You Need To Know
U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services
Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention
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Talk with your health
5 What if there is a serious
care provider problem?
Tell your vaccine provider if the person getting An allergic reaction could occur after the vaccinated
the vaccine: person leaves the clinic. If you see signs of a
Has had an allergic reaction after a previous severe allergic reaction (hives, swelling of the face
dose of anthrax vaccine, or has any severe, life- and throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat,
threatening allergies. dizziness, or weakness), call 9-1-1 and get the person
Is pregnant or thinks she might be pregnant. to the nearest hospital.
Has a weakened immune system.
For other signs that concern you, call your health
Has a history of anthrax disease.
care provider.
In some cases, your health care provider may decide
Adverse reactions should be reported to the Vaccine
to postpone anthrax vaccination to a future visit.
Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Your
People with minor illnesses, such as a cold, may be health care provider will usually file this report, or
vaccinated. People who are moderately or severely ill you can do it yourself. Visit the VAERS website at
should usually wait until they recover before getting www.vaers.hhs.gov or call 1-800-822-7967. VAERS
anthrax vaccine. is only for reporting reactions, and VAERS staff do not
give medical advice.
If you are receiving the vaccine because you have
been exposed to anthrax, tell your health care
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provider if you are not feeling well. You might need Countermeasures Injury
immediate medical care. Compensation Program
Your health care provider can give you more The Countermeasures Injury Compensation
information. Program is a federal program that may help pay for
costs of medical care and other specific expenses
of certain people who have been seriously injured
4 Risks of a vaccine reaction by certain medicines or vaccines. If you have been
After getting a shot of anthrax vaccine, you may injured by the anthrax vaccine, you can learn more
have: about this Program by visiting the program’s website
Tenderness, redness, itching, or a lump or bruise at www.hrsa.gov/cicp, or calling 1-855-266-2427.
where the shot is given
Muscle aches or short-term trouble moving
your arm
7 How can I learn more?
Headaches or fatigue Ask your health care provider.
Call your local or state health department.
People sometimes faint after medical procedures,
Contact the Centers for Disease Control and
including vaccination. Tell your provider if you feel
Prevention (CDC):
dizzy or have vision changes or ringing in the ears.
--Call 1-800-232-4636 (1-800-CDC-INFO) or
As with any medicine, there is a very remote chance --Visit CDC’s anthrax website at
of a vaccine causing a severe allergic reaction, other www.cdc.gov/anthrax
serious injury, or death.
01/08/2020