Anthrax Vaccine

Abstract
Several countries are believed to have biological weapons programs capable of causing widespread devastating illness among unprotected individuals. Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax, is one of the most likely pathogens to be used.1 The decision by Secretary of Defense William S. Cohen to vaccinate the US Armed Forces against anthrax, using a licensed vaccine with which most civilian and military medical personnel were unfamiliar, prompts this review of the evidence of the safety and efficacy of the vaccine (anthrax vaccine adsorbed [AVA]).