Anthrax

Disease risk areas
Worldwide, although it is rare in the UK.

Transmission
By a spore bearing aerobic bacillus found in infected hides, wool, hair, bone, feeding stuffs and carcases.

Recommendations for travellers
Vaccination is advised only for those at occupational risk. For those at special risk protective clothing should be worn.

Vaccination

Type: Killed.
No of doses: 4
Dosage: 0.5 ml
Route: I/M
Full course: 8-9 months
Intervals: Day 0 then after 3 wks, 6 wks and 6 mths
Length of protection: 1 year.
Effective from: when course completed

Side effects.
Mild erythema and swelling at the injection site and sometimes the site of previous doses. Occasionally more widespread reaction such as fever, urticaria or arthropathy can occur. A reaction to a first dose does not automatically imply that there will be reactions to further doses. Whether to continue with the course will depend upon factors such as the expected degree of likely exposure.

Contraindications
No absolute contraindications.

Vaccine sources in England and Wales:
London: 020 8200 6868
Cardiff: 01222 755944
Leeds: 0113 264 5011
Liverpool: 0151 525 2323

Vaccine source in N. Ireland
Belfast: 01232 329241 ext.2968

Vaccine sources in Scotland:
Borders: 01896 754333
Law Hospital: 01698 361100
Perth R.Infirmary: 01738 23111.