MEMO: Rabies Vaccine and RabIg Shortage

TO: Health Care Providers Who Administer Vaccines   

FROM:  Andrea Feller, MD, MS, FAAP, FACPM, Associate Medical Officer of Health

REFERENCE: Rabies Vaccine and RabIg Shortage

DATE:  August 12, 2019

Background

• Due to a higher than expected demand of rabies vaccine and rabies immunoglobulin (RabIg) over the past month, the Ontario Government Pharmaceutical and Medical Supply Service’s supply is lower than usual
• Estimated replenish date is November 2019
• As a result of this shortage, the Ministry is requesting that all health units be prudent with vaccine usage to minimize any wastage

Recommendations

• Please report all rabies concerns immediately to Niagara Region Public Health & Emergency Services (NRPH&ES) by phone (during business hours at 905-688-8248 ext. 7590 and afterhours at 905-984-3690) and fax (905-641-4994)
• NRPH&ES will be able to assist in the risk assessment to determine if vaccine and RIG needs to be dispensed

  RabIg-sparing protocol

• Effective immediately, in cases where the entire calculated dose of RabIg likely cannot be infiltrated directly in and around the wound or site of exposure, any excess unopened RabIg vials after infiltration should be saved
• In other words, do not give RabIg at sites other than the wound or site of exposure during this time of shortage. This is a temporary measure at this time.
• Unclear cases should be discussed with the Medical Officer of Health

For further information, please contact the Environmental Health Division Duty Officer at 905-688-8248, ext. 7590 during business hours of Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.