Why It Is Used

In response to the use and possible future use of anthrax as a biological weapon, the following recommendations have been made:^{footnote 1}

• Only people at high risk of exposure should be given the anthrax vaccine. This may include certain laboratory workers, people who work with imported animals where preventive standards are lacking (such as veterinarians who travel to work in other countries), and certain military personnel.
• Anthrax vaccination is not recommended for the general public because of their low risk of infection and because supplies of the vaccine are very limited.

The anthrax vaccine is given in a series of six shots over 18 months. Each year a booster dose is given.