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Experience with preexposure rabies vaccination.
M Roumiantzeff1, N Ajjan, J C Vincent-Falquet
1Institut Mérieux, Lyon, France.
Reviews of Infectious Diseases
|November 1, 1988
Summary
Preexposure rabies vaccination using cell culture vaccines offers excellent protection. Updated vaccination schedules and newer, cost-effective vaccines support broader use, especially in high-risk areas.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
- Public Health
Background:
- Preexposure rabies vaccination is currently recommended for specific high-risk groups.
- Cell culture vaccines facilitate preexposure immunization programs.
- Established vaccination schedules involve multiple doses and a booster for long-term immunity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the efficacy, safety, and duration of immunity for preexposure rabies vaccination.
- To explore the potential for extending preexposure vaccination programs.
- To consider the impact of newer, more economical vaccines on vaccination strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing studies on preexposure rabies vaccination efficacy and safety.
- Analysis of recommended vaccination schedules (intramuscular, subcutaneous, and intradermal routes).
- Evaluation of long-term immunity data from follow-up studies (5-8 years).
Main Results:
- Preexposure rabies vaccination is generally well-tolerated with rare systemic allergic reactions.
- Vaccine efficacy is consistently observed, though influenced by various factors.
- Intramuscular and subcutaneous routes are established; intradermal routes are being explored for cost reduction.
- Long-term immunity is demonstrated with booster doses.
Conclusions:
- Evidence supports expanding preexposure rabies vaccination, particularly in developing countries with high infection risk.
- Economical vaccines like purified Vero rabies vaccine enable reevaluation of preventive strategies.
- Combined vaccine approaches may offer further economic benefits.