Is the vaccine really necessary? Can anthrax be prevented using broad-spectrum antibiotics?
A. Prevention is better than treatment. Broad-spectrum antibiotics, such as Ciprofloxacin, have a role to play, in combination with the vaccine, in the treatment of unprotected people who have been exposed to anthrax, but are in general only effective if administered before the major symptoms become apparent. Independent medical advice confirms that immunisation against anthrax offers safe and effective additional protection to personnel in the event that they are exposed to anthrax used as a biological weapon. The alternative would be to place personnel permanently on antibiotics, which is not advised.
