Rabies Vaccine Available
For the past several months, the supply of rabies vaccine in the United States has been at critical levels. This prompted the CDC to limit the use of the vaccine to the group that has the most critical need for vaccine: people who had already been exposed to rabies, through a bite or other animal contact. Student Health Services has been following this CDC guidance since it was issued.
On May 15, 2009, CDC has posted new information on the availability of rabies vaccine. It is now available for the following:
- persons whose activities bring them into frequent contact with rabies virus or potentially rabid animals,
- veterinarians and their staff, including veterinary medicine students
- animal handlers
- rabies researchers
- certain laboratory workers.
- some international travelers
- if they are likely to come in contact with animals in areas where dog or other animal rabies is enzootic, and immediate access to appropriate medical care, including rabies vaccine and immune globulin, could be limited.
See this CDC link for more details: http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/news/RabVaxupdate.html
Students interested in more information about rabies vaccine or needing to schedule an appointment for a vaccine series can call (614) 292-4321.