Terrorism and Other Public Health Threats

Bioterrorism and Vaccinations

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has developed plans on how to respond to bioterrorism threats. Certain diseases have been identified as posing the greatest threat. These diseases are:

• Anthrax.
• Smallpox.
• Botulism.
• Plague.
• Tularemia.
• Viral hemorrhagic fevers.

Although the CDC is addressing all of these potential threats, vaccines are available only for anthrax and smallpox. Currently these vaccines are not recommended for the general public. But the CDC has advised special vaccinations for people at high risk for exposure to anthrax or smallpox, such as certain health care workers or military personnel. For more information, see:

• Anthrax vaccination recommendations. The anthrax vaccine is given in a series of six injections over 18 months. Booster injections are needed each year thereafter for continued protection.
• Smallpox vaccination recommendations(What is a PDF document?). The smallpox vaccine is given with a pronged device or a solid needle that delivers quick punctures to the upper arm.

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Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS	Last Updated: April 9, 2007
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Christine Hahn, MD - Epidemiology
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