Posted on May 27, 2009 by: WayCoolDogs

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Many people feel that by receiving a preexposure rabies shot, they are totally protected from rabid animal bites instead of recognizing its original intent—a way to protect people from getting rabies before being bitten by a rabid animal but still requiring additional vaccinations. The preexposure shot for rabies simply eliminates the need for additional therapy “after a rabies” bite or exposure, with two types of vaccines available in the United States: (1) Human Diploid Cell Vaccine (HDCV), and (2) Purified Chick Embryo Cell (PCEC). The original Rabies Vaccine Absorbed (RVA) is no longer available in our country.

Finding out “What Does Preexposure Rabies Shots Cost?”

There have been reports of preexposure rabies shots costing $450 for two shots on down to $42 each with three to five shots needed. The answer to the question depends on which country the shot is given in and what location you live. Not a black and white thing, the price of preexposure rabies shots also goes up and down with the economy and demand.

The simplest thing to do is call your family doctor for information on what does preeexposure rabies shots cost. Another method is to contact the local county service and find out if there are special clinics available at cut rates or certain days to attend workshops  regarding rabies  with information on the price of preexposure rabies shots.

Why  Get a Preexposure Rabies Shot?

With the presence of the preexposure rabies shot, the human rabies immune globulin (HRIG) is not needed, thereby simplifying therapy and decreasing the dosages that are typically needed after a bite occurs.  A schedule for the vaccinations are usually in three dosages—dosage one is when appropriate; dosage two is seven days after dosage one; and dosage three is given 21 or 28 days after the first dosage.

All forms of regular rabies vaccines are made from inactivated, or killed, viruses which are considered safe and very effective. They are given in a three-to-five shot series in the deltoid muscle, the muscle which forms the rounded contour of our shoulders and is frequently used to administer intra-muscular injections.

Asking the question, “what does preexposure rabies shot” is not as important as receiving these vaccinations to reduce the risks of rabies due to a bite for a couple of other reasons:

• The preexposure rabies shot provides partial protection for those who have received unapparent rabies exposure.
• The preexposure rabies shot protects those whose post-exposure therapy is delayed.
• The number of shots needed will be less if bitten.

Individuals Who Should Receive Preexposure Rabies Shots

People who should be on the automatic list for preexposure rabies shots include veterinarians, those who handle animals for a living, laboratory individuals in animal-related fields, hunters, animal handlers, animal control individuals, and wildlife workers.  In other words, anyone who has a job or hobbies that bring them into direct and regular contact with animals who may or may not be capable of getting or having rabies.

Other areas include people who do not have immediate or close access to medical care if they are bitten by a rabid animal. People who travel to remote areas or backpack would be advised to have the preexposure rabies shots, or those who travel to international areas for 30 days or more, or even foreign countries where rabies is a serious problem.

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