Rabies vaccine supply situation
Posted: August 26, 2008
Current Situation
- Due to an increased demand placed on RabAvert vaccine supplies, Novartis will require health providers to obtain a confirmation code from state or local health departments before releasing vaccine doses for postexpsoure prophylaxis to ensure adequate risk assessments at the local level. (
Novartis - letter to Customers [PDF – 539 KB]); CDC Update for Clinicians as of August 22nd. - IMOVAX rabies vaccine from Sanofi Pasteur is currently unavailable, and RabAvert is the only available vaccine for rabies postexposure prophylaxis at this time. Please consult with state and local health departments for exposure assessment and to obtain a confirmation code BEFORE contacting your wholesaler or Novartis at 1-800-244-7668 to obtain rabies vaccine doses for patients.
- Vaccine availability for pre-exposure vaccination continues to be limited, and will be distributed on approval from state and federal public health authorities for those first responders with a critical need and in consideration of available supplies. These measures will allow responsible management of currently limited supplies of this vaccine for those individuals at highest risk of exposure.
- Both Novartis Vaccines and Sanofi Pasteur remain in close contact with public health authorities to ensure that guidelines for appropriate usage of vaccine for PEP is communicated to medical providers.
- Discussions among federal, state, and local public health personnel are ongoing to review additional strategies to manage this situation.
Why is there an interruption in supply?
- Starting in June 2007, Sanofi Pasteur began renovating its IMOVAX Rabies vaccine production facility in France to maintain compliance with the most current requirements from FDA and the French regulatory body. Prior to these renovations, Sanofi Pasteur established an inventory based on historical levels of sales and projected market demand. The facility is scheduled to be approved and operational by mid-to-late 2009. Until the facility is operational, Sanofi Pasteur has a finite amount of IMOVAX Rabies vaccine.
- After the renovations began, Novartis, the other supplier of rabies vaccine for the United States, was unable to meet projected rabies vaccine supplies.
- Since early 2008, Novartis has been supplying its rabies vaccine, RabAvert, for post-exposure use only. Consequently, Sanofi Pasteur has been supplying nearly all of the market for rabies vaccine. The increase in demand for IMOVAX is outpacing the company’s historical levels of supply.
How does this affect current rabies vaccination recommendations?
- Persons at increased risk for rabies exposure should take appropriate precautions to avoid rabies exposure
- Vaccine is available for PEP, and providers should consult with their local or state public health department to ensure appropriate use of PEP
- General rabies awareness and prevention messages should be emphasized to avoid exposure (e.g., avoid wildlife contact, vaccinate pets/livestock, capture/observe/test exposing animal, etc.)
Additional Questions and Answers
Previous updates on this Situation
Page last modified: August 26, 2008
Content Source: National Center for Zoonotic, Vector-Borne, & Enteric Diseases (ZVED)
Content Source: National Center for Zoonotic, Vector-Borne, & Enteric Diseases (ZVED)
