Questions & Answers: Rabies Biological Supply
- How long will vaccine for pre-exposure vaccination (Pre-EP) not be available?
- What do I do for someone that is in the middle of a Pre-EP regimen?
- Will vaccine be available for persons that had Pre-EP and now have a low titer?
- Does this change affect all risk groups for Pre-EP or just the lower risk group (i.e., infrequent or travelers)?
- How does this affect state/local health departments that purchase/provide rabies vaccine?
How long will vaccine for pre-exposure vaccination (Pre-EP) not be available?
We are unsure how long rabies Pre-EP will not be available. We are hopeful that supplies will begin to improve in approximately July 2008.
What do I do for someone that is in the middle of a Pre-EP regimen?
Pre-EP should only begin only if adequate supply of vaccine is available. If it has already begun, it would be better to complete the Pre-EP regimen; however, additional stocks may not be released for this purpose. Completion of the regimen will have to be done using already purchased stocks. If this is not possible, the Pre-EP should be discontinued, and the person considered as non-vaccinated. If needed, the Pre-EP course in such persons should be restarted when the adequate vaccine supply for Pre-EP is available.
Will vaccine be available for persons that had Pre-EP and now have a low titer?
No. No additional stocks of rabies vaccine will be released for Pre-EP usage. Persons at increased risk for rabies exposure should take appropriate precautions to avoid rabies exposure. Individuals who are concerned about their titer should request a rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test (RFFIT) (used by ACIP as an indicator of an adequate adaptive immune response)
Does this change affect all risk groups for Pre-EP or just the lower risk group (i.e., infrequent or travelers)?
Yes, this change affects all risk groups. Individuals who are traveling should limit travel to high rabies risk areas unless otherwise necessary. Travelers should be aware of anti-rabies vaccination options in that country in case exposure is likely.
How does this affect state/local health departments that purchase/provide rabies vaccine?
State and local health departments that purchase vaccine directly will only be able to purchase them for PEP usage at the current time.
Page last reviewed: January 7, 2005
Content Source: National Center for Zoonotic, Vector-Borne, & Enteric Diseases (ZVED)
