Changes in Rabies Postexposure Prophylaxis Regimen

The CDC recommends changing the vaccination schedule from five to four doses.

Rabies postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) is recommended for approximately 23,000 people annually in the U.S. In October 2008, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices convened a panel, reviewed all relevant evidence, and changed the recommendations for rabies PEP to the following:

Unvaccinated people with bite or nonbite exposures should receive human rabies immune globulin and vaccination.
Vaccination should consist of four 1-mL intramuscular doses of human diploid cell vaccine or purified chick embryo cell vaccine; the first dose should be given as soon as possible after exposure (day 0), and additional doses should be given on days 3, 7, and 14 after the first dose.
The vaccine should be admin…

Reviewing Author

Diane M. Birnbaumer, MD, FACEP

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardSecurisyn

Editorial boardsThe Merck Manuals (Home and Physician Editions)

Diane M. Birnbaumer, MD, FACEP

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardSecurisyn

Editorial boardsThe Merck Manuals (Home and Physician Editions)