Rabies Vaccine and Immunoglobulin Supply

To: Health Care Professionals in Niagara
From: Environmental Health Division, Niagara Region Public Health
Reference: Rabies Vaccine and Immunoglobulin Supply
Date: August 18, 2025

The purpose of this memo is to provide you with communication from the Ontario Ministry of Health on rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin supply.

Ontario is currently experiencing a shortage of rabies vaccines (i.e., Imovax-Rabies and Rabavert) and rabies immunoglobulins (i.e., HyperRAB and KamRAB). During this time, judicious use is essential. Rabies post-exposure (rPEP) should only be provided when indicated, based on provincial guidance and in consultation with Niagara Region Public Health.

Discussion with federal partners is ongoing to secure additional supplies as soon as possible to alleviate pressures. Please continue to report all suspected rabies exposures to Niagara Region Public Health immediately.

Report an animal exposure to Public Health

Step 1: Complete the report online, or print the form and fax the completed form back to Public Health at 905-641-4994
Step 2: Call Public Health to ensure a risk assessment is completed and documented:

Monday to Friday (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), call 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 Ext. 7590
After hours and weekends, call 905-984-3690 or 1-877-552-5579

Ensuring a thorough risk assessment is completed remains critical to ensure rPEP is administered in the appropriate scenarios and to reduce wastage.

For your awareness, the Ministry of Health monitors the number of rabies tests submitted to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency laboratory daily. Compared to this time last year, the percent test positivity for bats is down. Increases in the total number of positive tests received by health units are a result of a doubling of test submissions compared to this time last year (2024). The Ministry of Natural Resources considers routine surveillance of bats (i.e., those not involved in human or animal exposure situations) unnecessary, knowing that the disease is endemic in bats in all regions of the province.

Additional information

Refer to the Canadian Immunization Guide for rabies vaccine information
Visit our rabies webpage for more details
A rabies post-exposure prophylaxis algorithm is also available on the webpage