VACCINE

Vaccination against rabies is used in two distinct situations : To protect those who are at risk of exposure to rabies, i.e. preexposure vaccination; And To prevent the development of clinical rabies after exposure has occurred, usually following the bite of an animal suspected of having rabies, i.e. post-exposure prophylaxis.

ANTI-RABIES VACCINE

The circumstances of an animal bite or other contact with an animal suspected to be rabid may require post-exposure prophylaxis. In such situations, medical advice should be obtained immediately.

IMMUNOGLOBULIN VACCINE

Human rabies immunoglobulin (HRIG) or equine rabies immunoglobulin (ERIG) or F(ab’)2 products should be used for category III exposures as well as for some category II exposures. Mammal bites with open wound and bleeding of any amount, are categorized at Category 2 or 3. In such situations, medical advice should be obtained immediately.

TETANUS TOXOID VACCINE

All travellers should be up to date with the vaccine before departure. The type of tetanus prophylaxis that is required following injury depends on the nature of the lesion and the history of previous immunizations.

HEPATITIS B VACCINE

The vaccine is recommended for extended stay travelers, people with chronic conditions, older people, healthcare workers, and people who participate in high-risk activities (such as injection drug use and unprotected sex). Other travelers may consider the vaccine, especially since some countries may not screen their blood supply, and travelers could become infected by a blood transfusion.