1. What can be done to treat rabies?
2. Who should I talk to if I have any questions about this vaccine?
3. Who should receive Pre-Exposure vaccination?
4. Who should receive Post-Exposure Treatment?
5. How soon after an exposure should I get rabies vaccination?

What can be done to treat rabies?

There is no cure for rabies once symptoms of the disease develop, making prevention and control extremely important. Human deaths from rabies can effectively be prevented by vaccination. Rabies vaccine (pre-exposure vaccination) is given to people at high risk of being infected by rabies to protect them if they are exposed to the virus. The vaccine (post-exposure treatment) can also prevent the disease if it is given to a person after they have been exposed to the virus if treatment occurs fairly soon after exposure.

Who should I talk to if I have any questions about this vaccine?

Talk to your doctor or call your local public health unit for more information.

Who should receive Pre-Exposure vaccination?

Pre-Exposure rabies vaccination is usually recommended for those who do certain kinds of work or activities with a high risk of rabies exposure, such as:

• veterinarians
• lab workers who regularly handle rabies specimens
• hunters and trappers in high-risk areas
• animal control and wildlife workers
• spelunkers (cave explorers)
• travellers in areas of high rabies activity where there is limited access to post-exposure treatment

Who should receive Post-Exposure Treatment?

Post-Exposure rabies treatment is given depending upon your risk of exposure to a rabid animal. Factors involved in determining this risk include the type of exposure and the type of animal involved. Your doctor or your local public health unit can help determine your risk of rabies exposure from animals in your area.

How soon after an exposure should I get rabies vaccination?

Rabies vaccination should be obtained as soon as possible after an exposure. After you get any immunization, make sure your doctor updates your personal immunization record, such as your Yellow Immunization Card. Keep it in a safe place!

• Rabies in Animals
• Rabies in Humans
• Rabies in Pets
• Rabies in Wild Animals