Adult Dosing
- Safety and effectiveness in patients >65 yrs have not been established
Immunization against anthrax infection
18-65 yrs (Intramuscular route)
- Series of 5 IM doses (0.5 mL dose) administered at 0, 1 and 6 months (primary dose), 12 and 18 months (booster dose)
- Give booster dose 0.5 mL IM qyr for persons who remain at risk
18-65 yrs (Subcutaneous route)
- Series of 6 SC doses (0.5 mL dose) administered at 0, 2, 4 weeks and 6 months (primary dose), 12 and 18 months (booster dose)
- Give booster dose 0.5 mL SC qyr for persons who remain at risk
Postexposure prophylaxis of anthrax infection [Not FDA approved]
- 0.5 mL SC at 0 wk, 2 wks, and 4 wks along with 60-day antimicrobial therapy
Notes:- Not to be given by IV or intradermal route. May be given SC to patients with coagulation disorders or those taking anticoagulants or to patients at risk for hematoma formation following intramuscular injection
- Individuals are considered to be protected only after completion of three-dose primary immunization series
- Rotation of injection sites is recommended
Pediatric Dosing
- Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established
[Outline]
- Use with caution in patients with a history of latex sensitivity, as the vial stopper contains dry natural rubber and may produce allergic reactions
- Review patient's immunization history for possible vaccine sensitivities or previous vaccine-related reactions prior to administration. Keep appropriate medical equipment and supervision available for management of possible anaphylactic reactions following vaccine administration
- Anthrax vaccine may cause harm to the fetus when administered to a pregnant woman. Pregnant women should be administered anthrax vaccine, only if the potential benefits of immunization outweigh the potential risk to the fetus
- Patients with a history of anthrax disease may be at a greater risk for severe local adverse reactions
- Use of anthrax vaccine in immunocompromised individuals such as those receiving immunosuppressive therapy may lead to diminished immune response
- Anthrax vaccine may not provide protection to all individuals. The extent of protection prior to completion of the complete immunization schedule is not known
Caution: Use cautiously in
- Concomitant radiation therapy
Pregnancy Category:D
Breastfeeding: According to the CDC and other health organizations, anthrax vaccine given to a nursing mother does not affect the safety of breastfeeding for mothers or breastfed infants. Breastfeeding is not a contraindication to anthrax vaccine. This information is based upon LactMed database (available at http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT last accessed 28 June 2011). Manufacturer advises caution.
US Trade Name(s)
US Availability
BioThrax
- INJ: Ten 0.5 ml doses (5 mL multidose vials)
Canadian Trade Name(s)
Canadian Availability
UK Trade Name(s)
UK Availability
anthrax vaccine (generic)
- INJ: 0.125 mL/0.5 mL dose
Australian Trade Name(s)
Australian Availability
[Outline]