From the Guidelines
The anthrax vaccine can cause side effects, though most are mild and temporary, with common side effects including headache, injection site erythema, pain, fever, fatigue, arthralgia, and rash, as reported in 2,439 AVA-related adverse events from January 1,2009, through June 30,2017 1.
Common Side Effects
- Headache (14.7%)
- Injection site erythema (13.6%)
- Pain (12.6%)
- Fever (11.6%)
- Fatigue (11.5%)
- Arthralgia (11.2%)
- Erythema (11.2%)
- Injection site pain (9.9%)
- Injection site swelling (9.8%)
- Rash (9.4%) These side effects are typically mild and resolve within a few days.
Serious Side Effects
More serious side effects are rare but can include severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and other serious adverse events, such as ductal carcinoma of the breast, generalized allergic reaction, new onset bilateral arthralgia, bilateral pseudotumor cerebri, supraspinatous tendon tear, and new onset of generalized seizures associated with aqueductal stenosis, as reported in a study of approximately 8,300 doses of AVA 1.
Long-term Safety
Studies have found no association between AVA receipt and chronic health conditions, such as reduction in health-related quality of life measures, multisystem illness, long-term disabilities, type 1 diabetes, atrial fibrillation, and diffuse connective tissue diseases 1.
Special Considerations
The vaccine is not intended for use during pregnancy, but studies have not detected any increased rates of adverse fetal or infant outcomes among women who received AVA during their first trimester compared with receipt at other time points or no receipt of AVA 1. For most people receiving the vaccine due to occupational exposure or bioterrorism concerns, the protection benefits significantly outweigh these potential side effects 1.
From the Research
Anthrax Vaccine Side Effects
- Local reactogenicity, including erythema, induration, soreness, and fever, are common side effects of anthrax vaccines 2
- Serious adverse reactions occur in about 1% of vaccinations 2
- Gastrointestinal adverse reactions have been reported following anthrax vaccination, with a higher incidence compared to adult tetanus vaccination 3
- Arthritic and immunological adverse reactions have also been associated with anthrax vaccination 3, 4
- Delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions have been reported in some cases 5
- Systemic adverse reactions, such as flu-like symptoms, malaise, rash, arthralgia, and headache, are common, but most are not considered serious 6
- Joint-related adverse reactions, including arthritis and joint symptoms, have been reported at a higher rate compared to control populations 4
- Anaphylactoid reactions, bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia, and aggravation of spondyloarthropathy have been reported in rare cases 6