Treatment for Rabies

Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a combination of rabies immune globulin (RIG) and rabies vaccine that prevents rabies from developing after a potential exposure to the virus.  

Who should receive rabies post-exposure prophylaxis?

If you have been exposed to the saliva of an animal or bat, contact your health-care provider and report the exposure to the health unit. A public health inspector will work with you and your health-care provider to assess your risk of rabies exposure, take actions and arrange access to publicly funded rabies PEP if needed.

Health-care providers do not keep PEP in stock.

If I have received rabies PEP in the past, am I still protected from rabies?

If you have been potentially exposed to rabies, contact your health-care provider. Previous rabies vaccination or treatment with rabies PEP does not provide lifetime protection. A risk assessment is required after every potential rabies exposure to determine whether additional treatment is needed.