Preventive vaccination against rabies: is it possible? Or maybe even necessary?

Rabies is an incurable viral infection that is fatal in 100% of cases after the onset of clinical symptoms. However, modern evidence-based medicine allows for reliable prevention of the disease through timely immunization. If you or your loved ones are at risk of coming into contact with wild or stray animals, preventive vaccination against rabies (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is the most effective way to protect yourself. In the "Dobrobut" medical network, we conduct vaccinations according to modern international protocols, ensuring a high safety profile and the formation of a stable immunity.

Who is at increased risk?

Pre-exposure prophylaxis is recommended for people whose profession or lifestyle involves potential contact with the pathogen:

Professionals working with animals:

• veterinarians, paramedics, and clinic staff;
• laboratory workers dealing with the rabies virus;
• staff at animal shelters, animal control services, and stray animal care;
• slaughterhouse workers and taxidermists.

People working in natural environments:

• hunters and foresters;
• volunteers engaged in the rehabilitation of wild animals (including bats).

Other categories:

• military personnel;
• postal workers and delivery service staff (due to a high risk of interaction with animals during work).

International experience and vaccination of children

According to WHO recommendations, preventive vaccination against rabies should be considered by anyone living in or frequently visiting areas where there is a high risk of infection.

In some countries of the world where rabies is endemic, pre-exposure vaccination of children is an important part of the government strategy to protect the population. For example, in countries such as Thailand and the Philippines, where the risk of infection through contact with wild or stray animals is higher, vaccinating children in rural areas or high-endemic zones is actively utilized to reduce child mortality rates. This significantly reduces the risks associated with accidental contacts with unknown animals.

Our recommendation:

• For children: If you live in rural areas or regions with a high density of stray animals, discuss the possibility of vaccination with your pediatrician.
• For adults: If your lifestyle involves contact with animals of unknown health status or you plan to travel to endemic regions, remember: the best protection is the absence of contact with such animals. However, if contact does occur, vaccination will undoubtedly and significantly reduce the risk of disease.

Vaccination schedule (according to updated WHO recommendations)

A shortened schedule is used for pre-exposure prophylaxis: a total of 2 doses.

• First dose: on the day of consultation (day 0).
• Second dose: on the 7th day.

For most people after completing the full course (2 doses), routine planned revaccination is not required. However, according to modern protocols, individuals in groups with constant or frequent professional risk are recommended to receive one booster (supporting) dose after a certain period:

• Constant risk category: Laboratory workers who directly work with the live rabies virus may consider administering one booster dose every 6 to 12 months.
• Frequent risk category: Veterinarians, wildlife specialists, cavers may consider administering one booster dose every 2 to 3 years.

What to do after a bite if you have already been vaccinated?

Vaccination does not negate the need to consult a doctor after a bite; however, it significantly simplifies further assistance.

• Less than 3 months after vaccination: additional vaccinations are usually not needed.
• From 3 months after vaccination: two doses of vaccine are administered (on day 0 and day 3) to "activate" immune memory. Rabies immune globulin is not required in this case.

Note: these are general recommendations. If you encounter a risky animal and you have previously received preventive rabies vaccination, the final decision on the need for repeat administration of the vaccine is made solely after consulting a doctor.

Take care of yourself and your loved ones—vaccination saves lives! To check the availability of vaccines at "Dobrobut" clinics or to schedule an appointment, call our contact center or fill out the form on the website.