Anthrax Immunization in the Older Warrior
Abstract
When a higher than expected prevalence of adverse reaction was apparent following the first immunization, it was decided to monitor acceptance, adverse reactions, incapacity and antibody responses in 129 mainly Caucasian members of a military field hospital during a voluntary programme of anthrax immunization at 0, 3, 6 and 24 weeks. Attempts were made to relate these variables to age. It was found that older warriors were at least as likely as younger colleagues to complete a voluntary anthrax immunization programme. They did not report adverse reactions more frequently at any stage but if an adverse reaction did occur following the first immunization, significant incapacity (inability to lift or to drive) lasting 48 hours in the majority occurred more frequently. There was no evidence that increasing age resulted in a diminished antibody response to anthrax immunization. The only penalty related to age appeared to be the higher prevalence of incapacity if adverse reaction followed the first anthrax immunization. This could be particularly critical in certain more vulnerable military populations such as aviators if a substantial proportion of personnel were over the age of 30 years and were possibly immune but were considered to require an urgent programme of anthrax immunization before deployment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADP010573
Entities
People
- M. J. World