Table. Vaccinated people: post-exposure rabies prophylaxis based on immune status and exposure category
Vaccinated people have evidence of a completed recommended pre-exposure or post-exposure prophylaxis regimen at any time in the past, or have a documented VNAb (rabies virus neutralising antibody) titre of >0.5 IU per mL at any time in the past. For those with a history of partial immunisation, see Incomplete pre-exposure prophylaxis schedule.
| Immune status | Exposure category | HRIG | Dose 1 (day 0) | Dose 2 (day 3) | Dose 3 (day 7) | Dose 4 (day 14) | Dose 5 (day 28) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Immunocompetent | Any category II or III | Not needed | Yes | Yes | Not needed | Not needed | Not needed |
| Mildly immunocompromised | Any category II or III | Not needed | Yes | Yes | Not needed | Not needed | Not needed |
| Severely immunocompromised | Any category II or III | Not needed | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
HRIG = human rabies immunoglobulin
Deviations of a few days from this schedule are probably unimportant.13
Severely immunocompromised refers to people for whom live vaccines are contraindicated. See People who are immunocompromised.
Definitions
- IU
- international units
- HRIG
- human rabies immunoglobulin
Printed content may be out of date. For up to date information, always refer to the digital version: https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/resources/handbook-tables/table-vaccinated-people-post-exposure-rabies-prophylaxis-based-on-immune.