Human rabies vaccine deficiency is worldwide

By McClatchy-Tribune Information Services

Published: October 2, 2008

McALESTER — The Centers for Disease Control and two other federal agencies have issued an alert because of a shortage of rabies vaccine — not for animals, but for people.

Joining the CDC in issuing the alert were the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration.

The pinch already has been felt at the McAlester Regional Health Center and throughout Oklahoma, as well as the rest of the nation.

Les Williams, nurse manager at the McAlester hospital, said the hospital no longer has a supply of the rabies vaccine on hand. Williams used the term vaccine to refer not only to preventative inoculations given prior to exposure, but also to shots given to individuals after they have been exposed to rabies.

Because of the shortage, being bitten by a strange dog or cat may not be enough to get treatment through rabies shots.

Who gets it must now be decided on a case-by-case basis.

The process now in place requires a certification of need from a state rabies health official. In Oklahoma, that’s Dr. Kristy Bradley at the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

Even after a need is certified, a health service provider must be given a password so that the post-exposure rabies serum can be ordered.

"The rabies vaccine is administered two different ways,” Williams said. "It’s not uncommon for people who work for veterinarian services to get a preventative vaccine.”

The most common way that people who don’t work in the health care industry have a need for vaccinations is after being bitten by a dog or a cat, Williams noted.

However, "The two animals that put humans at the highest risk are skunks and raccoons,” Williams said.

As a result of the shortage, the CDC is emphasizing that people should avoid exposure through wildlife contact.

The CDC also is stressing that pets and livestock should be vaccinated.

The shortage is being felt not only across the U.S., but worldwide.

"There are two major companies that make vaccines for humans, Williams said.

"One is a French company and one is an American company.”

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