Update on Rabies Post Exposure Prophylaxis

August 8, 2019

Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) Government Pharmacy is now supplying Rabies Immunoglobulin in 1 ml vials. This is a change from the previous 2 ml. If your agency has any 2 ml vials in stock, please let the Health Unit know and we will pick up and replace with new stock. Updated Abridged Instructions for the Administration of Rabies Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) will also be included in each order.

MOHLTC Government Pharmacy has informed health units that there is shortage of rabies vaccine. Moving forward, the Health Unit will only be providing a dose at a time instead of sending the entire series. Please let us know 48 hours in advance to ensure clients next dose is delivered in time. The Health Unit will continue to provide a small stock of vaccine and immunoglobulin in each hospital emergency department to ensure clients have rapid access to start treatment.

MOHLTC requires the Health Unit to report back the date that each dose was given to the client. When receiving rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin from the Health Unit, a PEP Tracking Form is included. Please fax this form back to Health Unit on completion of series or if client does not continue.

The Health Unit website also has information on prevention as well as documents to assist with risk assessment https://healthunit.org/?s=rabies

If you have any questions, please contact us at 613-345-5685 or 1-800-660-5853.