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Study Could Reduce Anthrax Shots, Decrease Side Effects
Friday, November 1, 2002
By Karen Fleming-Michael
Special to the American Forces Press Service

A civilian volunteer receives her first injection of the anthrax vaccine Sept. 24 as part of a 43- month study at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. Four civilian research centers are also taking part in the study to determine if fewer shots given intramuscularly produce an antibody response similar to the six-shot, subcutaneous injections currently given.
Image Credit: U.S. Army.

"We want to find out what the best marker of protection is. Once we've found that, researchers can use that to help develop the next generation of vaccines and validate them,"

FORT DETRICK, Md. -- AFIS
A study to decrease the required number of Anthrax shots and its accompanied side effects is being conducted at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in Maryland.

"We want to use our stores of vaccine wisely and we want to immunize people effectively and minimize side effects," said Col. Janiine Babcock, principal investigator for the study. The study's goals are twofold.

The first is proving the anthrax vaccine, manufactured by BioPort Corp in Lansing, Mich., is still effective when subjects are given fewer doses than the normal regimen of six shots delivered at one, two and four weeks and then at six, 12 and 18 months, with annual boosters.

"The (current vaccination) schedule is extremely cumbersome," Babcock said. "It is expensive to implement, and it is very difficult to support from a vaccine production and logistical point of view."

Decreasing the number of doses will also increase patient acceptance, she said. "If you have your choice between six shots and three, we'd all pick three."

The second goal is to change the way the shots are given, which should reduce the side effects of redness, tenderness, swelling and discomfort sometimes associated with the vaccine. Currently, the shot is given subcutaneously, which means the needle is inserted just between the skin and muscle.
(More: DoD News Source)
2002 © The United States Department of Defense.

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