Human Rabies Vaccine Information
Post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is given to someone who has potentially been exposed to rabies. It consists of one dose of human rabies immune globulin (HRIG) and four doses of the rabies vaccine.
- On the first day of treatment (day 0), a person will receive HRIG and the first dose of the rabies vaccine. HRIG should be given around the area of the bite/injury to immediately provide passive immunity to the rabies virus.
- HRIG should be given after the area has been properly cleaned by flushing and washing with soap and water for a minimum of 15 minutes.
- The rabies vaccine must only be given in the upper arm of adults or in the thigh of young children.
- It is important that the vaccine is given to a site away from the area that were HRIG was given. If given too closely to each other, immunoglobulin is less effective (e.g., if a person was bitten on the right hand, HRIG would be administered to the right hand and the vaccine would be given in the left deltoid).
- Subsequent rabies vaccinations will be given on days 3, 7, and 14.
A patient who is immunocompromised (e.g., due to chemotherapy or radiation treatment, HIV or AIDS, a genetic disorder, etc.) would receive a fifth rabies vaccine on day 28.
If someone has previously received rabies vaccine they should not receive HRIG and only receive two booster doses of the rabies vaccine (day 0 and day 3).
- Patient Assistance Programs for Uninsured or Underinsured Patients
- Human Rabies Prevention: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices
- Use of a Reduced (4-dose) Vaccine Schedule for Postexposure Prophylaxis to Prevent Human Rabies
- Use of a Modified Preexposure Prophylaxis Vaccination Schedule to Prevent Human Rabies: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices - United States, 2022
Human Rabies Vaccine and HRIG Availability in North Dakota
If your healthcare facility wishes to be included on this list, please contact the Division of Disease Control at (800) 472-2180.
Domestic Animal Rabies Vaccination in North Dakota
Vaccination laws for domestic animals vary by location throughout the state. Please contact your veterinarian for information on vaccination regulations in your area.
For information on animal movement and importation requirements in North Dakota, please visit the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, Animal Health Division's website.