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Notice to Readers: Additional Options for Preventive Treatment for
Persons Exposed to Inhalational Anthrax
Many persons who were exposed to inhalational anthrax in the
recent bioterrorism-related anthrax attacks have or are concluding their 60-day course
of antimicrobial prophylaxis. Some persons, especially those who were exposed to
high levels of anthrax spores, might want to take additional precautions. The
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is providing two additional
options beyond the 60-day anti-microbial prophylaxis course: an extended 40-day course
of antimicrobial prophylaxis and investigational postexposure treatment with
anthrax vaccine.
The three preventive options for persons with risks for inhalational anthrax are
1) 60 days of antimicrobial prophylaxis, accompanied by monitoring for illness; 2)
40 additional days of antimicrobial prophylaxis (intended to provide protection against
the theoretical possibility that anthrax spores might cause illness up to 100 days
after exposure) accompanied by monitoring for illness or adverse reactions; and 3)
40 additional days of anti-microbial prophylaxis plus 3 doses of anthrax
vaccine administered over a 4-week period. Although not a use approved by the Food
and Drug Administration, the vaccine might provide additional protection by inducing
an immune response to Bacillus anthracis. As an investigational new drug, the
vaccine should be administered with informed consent, and vaccinated persons
may participate in a follow-up evaluation measuring the effect of the vaccine
when administered after exposure.
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Health and Human Services.
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endorsement of these organizations or their programs by CDC or the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services. CDC is not responsible for the content
of pages found at these sites.
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