How much does the rabies vaccine cost for humans?
How much does the rabies vaccine cost for humans?
$800 – $1,300 cost for pre-exposure vaccine
$2,500 – $7,000 cost for post-exposure vaccine & treatment
Average cost of the rabies vaccine for humans
The rabies vaccine for humans costs $2,500 to $7,000 for the full 4-dose protocol and human rabies immune globulin (HRIG). Because rabies is almost always fatal if untreated, this life-saving vaccine is necessary if you've been exposed to a rabid or potentially infected animal.
Pre-exposure rabies vaccination (PrEV) costs $800 to $1,300 in total for 2 doses. The CDC recommends the pre-exposure vaccine for people who are at higher risk of rabies infection due to frequent contact with animals.
| Exposure status | Average total cost | Vaccine protocol |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-exposure | $800 – $1,300 | 2 doses (7 days apart) |
| Post-exposure | $2,500 – $7,000 | 4 doses (on days 0, 3, 7, and 14 after exposure), plus one dose of human rabies immune globulin (HRIG) |
How does the rabies vaccine work for humans?
Rabies is a serious infection that nearly always results in death. People can get rabies if they come in contact with the saliva or tissue of an infected animal, such as through a bite or scratch, and don't receive immediate vaccination and treatment.
Post-exposure rabies vaccination (PEP)
Most people only get the rabies vaccine if they've been exposed to the virus. This post-exposure vaccination protocol involves 2 to 4 doses of the vaccine spread out over two weeks.
Post-exposure rabies treatment also includes one dose of human rabies immune globulin (HRIG) administered on the same day as the exposure occurred. HRIG stimulates the immune system to fend off the virus until the rabies vaccine begins working.
Pre-exposure rabies vaccination (PrEV)
According to the CDC, people at a higher risk for rabies exposure should be vaccinated to prevent rabies if exposure occurs. Examples of people at higher risk include:
Veterinarians & veterinary technicians
Animal Control personnel
People who are frequently in contact with bats
Wildlife workers
Laboratory workers who handle animals
Laboratory workers who handle live or concentrated rabies virus
Travelers who plan to stay in a country with an elevated rabies risk for more than two weeks
How many doses of the rabies vaccine do humans need?
The number of doses of the rabies vaccine you need depends on whether you're receiving the vaccine before or after being exposed to rabies:
Pre-exposure: The CDC recommends that people at high risk for rabies exposure get 2 doses of the rabies vaccine, seven days apart.
Post-exposure: If you have contact with an animal that is either rabid or potentially infected with rabies, the number of doses of rabies vaccine needed depends on whether you've received a pre-exposure vaccine before:
Not previously vaccinated: If you haven't been vaccinated before, you'll need 4 doses (on days 0, 3, 7, and 14 after exposure). You'll also receive human rabies immune globulin (HRIG) on day 0, typically as an injection around the site of the bite or scratch.
Previously vaccinated: If you were previously vaccinated for pre-exposure, you'll only need 2 doses (one on the day of exposure and another three days later).
What are the side effects of the rabies vaccine in humans?
The side effects of the rabies vaccine are typically mild and resolve within a few days. The most common side effects are:
Soreness at the injection site
Headache
Nausea
You can treat these side effects with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory or anti-nausea medications.
Less common side effects include joint pain, muscle aches, and dizziness. In rare cases, recipients may experience a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Wait at the doctor's office or clinic for at least 15 to 30 minutes after receiving the vaccine to ensure you have access to immediate care if needed.
Without treatment, rabies is nearly always fatal. If you're exposed to an infected animal, you should receive the vaccine even if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or immunocompromised.
Rabies vaccine FAQs
How long does the rabies vaccine last for humans?
Pre-exposure rabies vaccination (PrEV) lasts up to 2 years. The CDC recommends that people at continued risk for exposure get a booster dose 2 to 3 years after their initial vaccination to remain immunized.
Post-exposure rabies vaccination (PEP) lasts for 6 months to 2 years, depending on the treatment received. Post-exposure vaccination is intended only to prevent a full rabies infection immediately after you have contact with a potentially infected animal, not to protect against future exposure.
How effective is the rabies vaccine for humans?
The rabies vaccine is highly effective for humans. Studies show the vaccine is nearly 100% effective when paired with human rabies immune globulin (HRIG) and administered immediately to someone who was exposed to an infected animal. Without the vaccine, rabies is almost always fatal.
How safe is the rabies vaccine for humans?
The rabies vaccine contains an inactive form of the rabies virus and is considered safe for humans. The potential side effects are usually mild and resolve quickly.
Does insurance cover the rabies vaccine for humans?
Most insurance and Medicare prescription drug plans cover the rabies vaccine if you are bitten by or exposed to an animal that carries the risk of infection. However, coverage varies by plan, and you will still be responsible for your copays and deductibles.
Many health insurance providers do not cover pre-exposure rabies vaccination.
Where to get the rabies vaccine for humans
If you've been exposed to a rabid or potentially infected animal, you can get the post-exposure rabies vaccine at a hospital, local Department of Health, and some doctors' offices and clinics. Some healthcare providers require patients to receive the first vaccine dose and HRIG injection at a hospital but will administer the remaining three doses in-office.
Call the facility first to confirm they have the vaccine in stock, as many pharmacies and doctors' offices do not stock the rabies vaccine. However, do not wait to get treatment. Visit a healthcare provider the same day you're exposed to ensure you receive the rabies vaccine and HRIG injection early enough to prevent an infection.
For the pre-exposure rabies vaccine (PrEV), visit a travel vaccination clinic, pharmacy, or your doctor's office. If you are a college student enrolled in a veterinary program, check with your program director to find out if the school provides discounted rabies vaccines.
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