[Pre-exposure rabies vaccination]

Prophylactic vaccinations against rabies were given to 150 occupationally exposed persons. A new killed vaccine, grown on human diploid cells, was used. The first immunization resulted in a rapid development of neutralizing antibodies. Antibodies declined very quickly so that 50% of the probands failed to show adequate titres after 12 months. All probands reacted with a distinct rise in antibodies on re-vaccination. The vaccine was well tolerated and local or general reactions were observed only rarely.