1)  Can civilians get the anthrax vaccine?

Because of limited production capacity, the anthrax vaccine is not available to civilians at this time.  The only people receiving the anthrax vaccine are designated special military units and personnel involved in research.

Anthrax vaccine is distributed by BioPort Corporation of Lansing, Michigan. Once the manufacturer receives FDA approval for their renovated facilities, they will be better able to assess how much vaccine will be available to meet the Nation's need. We do not have a date when this will occur.

2) How will I know what to do, if there is a bioweapon attack near me?

If there was an incident, people would be notified by the emergency public announcement system by federal, state, or local authorities about what to do or where to go to obtain treatment.

The closest source of emergency assistance will come from your city, county, or state. Contact your state or local Health Department to find out procedures for handling a possible bioterrorist incidents in your area. 

3) How can bioterrorist attacks be detected?

The investigative skills, diagnostic techniques, and physical resources required to detect and diagnose a disease outbreak are the same ones required to identify and respond to a silent bioterrorist attack.  A key component to success will continue to be the sharing of information among all components of the public health system so that early diagnosis and response [can happen] as quickly as possible.

4) How would one respond to a bioterrorist attack involving anthrax?

The course of action for preventing anthrax after exposure in the civilian population would be with antibiotics.  Vaccination is not generally recommended.  Anthrax vaccine is not available to health care providers or the general public for routine use. 

It is not recommended that physicians prescribe antibiotics for anthrax at this time.  CDC currently has enough antibiotics to prevent the disease in 2 million persons exposed to anthrax, therefore they could rapidly get preventive medicine to those who may be affected by the disease, which cannot be transmitted between people.

5) What other reliable information is available from health authorities?

Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Use of anthrax vaccine in the United States. MMWR-Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report 2000;49(RR-15, Dec 15):1-20. http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/rr/rr4915.pdf

CDC BioTerrorism Preparedness and Response:  www.bt.cdc.gov

CDC Public Inquiry line:  1-800-311-3435

CDC National Immunization HOTLINE  1-800-232-2522