What You Should Know About the Rabies Vaccine

• Vaccination against rabies is mandatory for students and for many employees of the SVM. Taking the vaccine should be given priority over other activities. Dates for the 2007 vaccination sessions at the SVM are August 22, August 29, and September 12. These are the only dates this year that you can receive the vaccine here at the SVM.
• If you are a new student or employee and miss taking the series here during the scheduled sessions, you will have to go to the Student Health Center on campus to receive the doses. See me to make arrangements before going.
• Pre-exposure prophylaxis consists of a 3-dose series and the timing of these doses is critical for development of immunity. This means you must take EACH dose when it is scheduled. In emergency situations, we can make arrangements for you to take the vaccine at the Student Health Center if no more than a day or two has passed. If you become ill during the series, contact Dr. Honigman at the SHC (225-578-6271) for advice. If you miss a dose you will have to retake the entire series, either next year at the SVM if you are a first-year student this year, or from your own physician if you will be seeing animals before next fall.
• The total cost for the three-dose series is $426. Please be prepared to pay by check (only) when you take the first dose. Make checks payable to “LSU SVM.”
• The money you pay is used to buy the vaccine. We cannot give refunds if you do not take the three doses we have purchased for you.
• If you are now taking corticosteroids, if you have had any of these drugs in the last few weeks, or if you have an immunosuppressive illness, the rabies vaccine may not produce active immunity. If you are in this situation, check with me so special arrangements can be made.
• Serious reactions to this vaccine are very rare, but as with all vaccines, the medical personnel don’t take any chances. Therefore, you will be required to wait in the room for 30 minutes following each injection. Take this into consideration when making your plans.
• Mild side effects, however, are fairly common. These are similar to those that are experienced with many vaccines and are NOT a reason to discontinue taking the series. Do not be surprised if your arm is sore, reddened, or swollen at the injection site. You may also experience headache, muscle aches, or feel as if you are coming down with the flu. Again, these reactions are NOT considered reason for discontinuing the series. The discomfort generally lasts less than 24 hours and can usually be managed with acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin).
• Routine booster doses are seldom considered necessary. Check with me if you have already had the series and wonder if you need a booster.
• The benefits of the pre-exposure vaccine series far outweigh the risks and inconvenience. If you are ever exposed to rabies—and it is an occupational risk for veterinarians and veterinary students—the post-exposure regimen will be much more expensive and unpleasant if you have not taken the pre-exposure series.

Kathleen Harrington, Rabies Vaccination Coordinator
Room 3118, SVM
225-578-9663
kharrington@vetmed.lsu.edu

Download a pdf file of the vaccine information sheet and consent form.