4 ms·
I suspect you're being facetious, but I'll bite (ha): rabies pre-exposure vaccination requires (usually) 3 doses and is quite expensive (you could expect to pay
by LurkingPenguin 5y ago
I suspect you're being facetious, but I'll bite (ha): rabies pre-exposure vaccination requires (usually) 3 doses and is quite expensive (you could expect to pay over $1,000 for the series). Pre-exposure vaccination does not eliminate the need for post-exposure prophylaxis. If you have pre-exposure vaccination, you won't need human rabies immune globulin (HRIG) post-exposure, but that's a bigger benefit in isolated regions and the third world, where HRIG might not be easily accessed, than it is in the developed world.
Since most people in the developed world do not live in areas where rabies is endemic and/or where they are frequently in high-risk environments, and they can access the necessary prophylaxis in an emergency, the cost-benefit does not favor pre-exposure vaccination for most people.
Also note that rabies pre-exposure vaccination doesn't last for life. You usually need a booster every year that you remain at high risk.
- oasisbob 5y agoSounds like you know this, but Rabies PrEP can be had overseas far cheaper. IIRC, the WHO protocol is down to two doses from three. Did my last round of travel jabs in India. Ended up being less than $200 for everything, including rabies prep, for two people.