VACCINES

RABIES VACCINE BP® OVERVIEW

Rabies Vaccine BP is an inactivated vaccine indicated for pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis against rabies in all age groups.

Before you prescribe this vaccine please refer to the Prescribing information and SmPC links below.

Rabies Vaccine BP Prescribing information

View the Rabies Vaccine BP SmPC

Why help protect your patients with Rabies Vaccine BP?

Rabies is an acute viral infection causing inflammation of the spinal cord and the brain¹ that leads to the deaths of tens of thousands of people worldwide.² In developing countries, where it is most often transmitted by dogs, rabies is still considered a major public health concern.²

Transmitted through the saliva of an infected mammal, usually via a bite, scratch or lick³ The incubation period for the disease is usually 2-3 months but can be anything from a week to 1 year.²

Vaccination may be considered for all travellers who will be living or visiting endemic areas especially if:³

• visiting areas where access to post-exposure treatment and medical care is limited

• they are planning higher risk activities such as cycling and running

• they are planning to stay for more than one month

Rabies Vaccine BP can be used to help provide pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis.

	Rabies vaccine ≥ 2.5 IU/ml (inactivated)
Presentation	1 ml prefilled diluent syringe + vial of lyophilised powder Available in 1 vial + 1 syringe packs
Schedule	Pre-exposure prophylaxis: 3 doses at 0, 7 and 21 or 28 days. Special population – immunocompromised individuals: serology testing 2-4 weeks after vaccination to assess the need for additional doses. Post-exposure prophylaxis: - In previously immunised individuals: two further boosters should be given, one on day 0 and one on day 3. - In previously non-immunised individuals: the first injection of rabies vaccine (day 0) should be given as soon as possible after the suspected contact and followed by four further doses on days 3, 7, 14, and 28. Special population – immunocompromised individuals: only a full vaccination schedule should be administered. Rabies immunoglobulin as per local official recommendations.
Further doses	For those at continued risk, booster doses should be given in line with official recommendations.
Age range	No lower or upper age limit listed

 

References:

1. http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/advice/disease-prevention-advice/rabies Accessed August 2020
2. WHO Rabies Fact sheet. http://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/rabies Accessed August 2020
3. National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC). Travel Health Pro – Factsheet: Rabies. Available at: http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/20/rabies Accessed August 2020