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

Rabies, as you know, is a dangerous disease that can be prevented through vaccination.

People who are in constant contact with animals that could potentially carry the rabies virus can and even should receive preventive vaccination.

Who Needs Preventive Vaccination?

• Veterinary medicine professionals;
• People involved in capturing and sheltering stray animals;
• Workers at animal shelters;
• Staff of veterinary laboratories, clinics, and other labs working with rabies virus samples;
• Hunters;
• Foresters;
• Slaughterhouse workers;
• Taxidermists;
• Military personnel;
• Postal workers.

And this is far from a complete list!

For example, volunteers working with bats, in my opinion, should also be vaccinated against rabies.

According to WHO recommendations:

“Children living in or visiting areas where rabies is a significant risk among carnivorous animals can be vaccinated preventively if there are no economic, programmatic, or logistical barriers.”

And all of Ukraine is such an area!

My Recommendations for Preventive Vaccination:

Children — vaccinate.

Adults who have even potential contact with questionable animals — vaccination is necessary.

Vaccination Schedule:

1. The primary course consists of three doses:

• First dose — on the day of the visit.
• Second dose — on day 7.
• Third dose — on day 21–28.

2. Booster vaccination:

• One dose a year after the primary course.
• Then, one dose every 5 years.

Is Vaccination Necessary After a Bite?

If vaccination was completed:

• Less than 3 months ago — no additional doses are required.
• Between 3 months and 5 years ago — two doses of the vaccine are administered (on days 0 and 3) to “reactivate” immune memory.

Rabies immunoglobulin is not needed.

Take care of yourself and your children — vaccination saves lives!