Updated Guidance for Use of Rabies Vaccine for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)

Rabies is a rare but almost universally fatal infection. Treatment of rabies is almost always
ineffective once symptoms develop, however rabies can be prevented through the use of rabies
post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) after an exposure to a potentially rabid animal or the rabies virus
in a laboratory setting.
Rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is recommended for those whose occupational and/or
recreational activities increase their risk of exposure to potentially rabid animals or the rabies virus
in a laboratory setting. PrEP simplifies the PEP regimen for those with recognized exposure to
potentially rabid animals or the rabies virus in a laboratory setting, and, used with regular serology,
offers benefits for those at higher risk who may have exposures that are unrecognized. The
purpose of this Advisory Committee Statement is to provide updated recommendations for the
use of PrEP for individuals at increased risk for rabies exposures. The statement also provides
guidance on PEP schedules for those who have been previously vaccinated.