Rabies Vaccine Supply

To: Health Care Professionals in Niagara
From: Environmental Health Division, Niagara Region Public Health
Reference: Rabies Vaccine Supply
Date: February 12, 2025

While there have been reports of a rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (rPEP) shortage in other jurisdictions, Niagara Region Public Health (NRPH) presently has a sufficient supply of rPEP available. The Ontario Ministry has been working with federal partners to secure additional products to address the shortages in other jurisdictions.

Current Supply Situation

An additional supply of rabies vaccines is expected to be received by the province the week of February 10, 2025
The Ministry of Health anticipates additional shipments to arrive in early April under a new national contract
At this time, NRPH may not be able to provide the entire series in one delivery. NRPH will coordinate with the ordering physician as the need arises to arrange subsequent doses to complete the series. This will help reduce wastage.

Health Care Provider Action

There is no change in practice for patients who first report to a local hospital for treatment following an animal bite/potential rabies exposure
- As a reminder, patients rostered with a family doctor or primary care provider who present at local hospitals will be assessed and may be provided Day 0 treatment if a risk assessment indicates that rPEP is necessary. They would receive the remainder of the series through their primary care provider, in consultation with NRPH
Continue to follow the usual process to order rabies vaccines by contacting NRPH. This ensures that public health is involved in the risk assessment and determining the need for rPEP. The numbers to reach NRPH are:
- 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7590
- Emergency after-hours: 905-984-3690

Reminders: Reporting bites and/or suspected rabies exposures

Healthcare providers must immediately report any suspected rabies exposures to NRPH in one of three ways:
- Complete the Animal Bite or Scratch Report Form online
- Print and fax the form at 905-641-4994
- Call 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7590 Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  - After-hours and on weekends, call 905-984-3690 or 1-877-552-5579

For More Information

Rabies vaccine information, please refer to the Canadian Immunization Guide
Reporting animal bites for health care professionals
For questions about reporting suspected cases to NRPH, call 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7590