A very real threat exists out there. You can't see it or smell, but it's there. It's anthrax.

Anthrax, or Bacillus anthracis, is a small single-celled bacterium spore found naturally in soil around the world that can remain dormant until it infects a human or animal. While it can cause serious harm in its natural state, it becomes deadly when it is weaponized and used as a biological weapon.

"Weaponized anthrax is deadly because it's odorless, tasteless and that makes it hard to detect," said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Brandon Day.

"The most common form of exposure is inhalation, and symptoms include getting fevers, sore throat, muscle aches and could lead to death."

Due to the ease of weaponization and rapid production, anthrax is a serious threat to service members, especially those that are forward-deployed.

"These vaccinations are a Department of Defense requirement and are mandatory for service members going into a danger zones or war zones," said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Kyle Hugo. "GHWB is forward-deployed, so it's critical we get Sailors inoculated as soon as possible."

The only known measure to protect personnel is pre-exposure vaccinations. The vaccine itself doesn't contain live anthrax cells and cannot cause an infection.

"Anthrax is treatable with antibiotics but, if inhaled, it becomes much more difficult to treat and is often fatal," said Day. "The vaccines are a preventative measure, since weaponized anthrax is usually released into the air to be inhaled."

The anthrax vaccine is a five-shot series, with the first shot given on 'zero day'. The second shot is four weeks later, and the subsequent shots are spaced six months apart. All five shots will be administered within a total of eighteen months, with a booster given annually.

"The vaccine is five shots because total immunity isn't guaranteed with the first vaccine," said Hugo. "Some people may achieve full immunity after the first, but most need more vaccinations before they are fully immune to anthrax."

Hugo also said that the reaction to the inoculation varies from person to person with some effects including a small bump at the injection site, to a feeling of getting punched in the arm.

Day and Hugo agree that it's better to have a feeling of getting punched in the arm, than to experience the full effects of anthrax in any form. The injections that are given could mean the difference between life and death should something happen while conducting combat operations.


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