Rabies Vaccine Supply Situation

Posted: June 16th, 2008

Current Situation

As of June 16th, 2008, Novartis Vaccines, maker of RabAvert, will not be releasing any RabAvert shipment that has not been confirmed through a state public health official.
Sanofi Pasteur, maker of IMOVAX Rabies (Rabies Vaccine), will temporarily only supply vaccine for post-exposure prophylaxis in consultation with public health officials.
Vaccine available for pre-exposure prophylaxis is also only available in limited supply to individuals in critical need through consultation with public health authorities.
These measures will allow responsible management of currently limited supplies of this vaccine.
It is expected that additional RabAvert will be available to the market by approximately July 2008. It is hoped that the demand for pre-exposure vaccine supplies will be met at this time.
Both companies remain in close contact with public health authorities to ensure that appropriate usage of vaccine for post-exposure prophylaxis is communicated to medial providers.
Discussions among federal, state, and local public health personnel are ongoing to review additional strategies to handle this situation.

This report provides an update to information posted previously on May 20th, 2008.
Starting in June 2007, Sanofi Pasteur began renovating its IMOVAX Rabies vaccine production facility in France to maintain compliance with the most current requirements from FDA and the French regulatory body. Prior to these renovations, Sanofi Pasteur established an inventory based on historical levels of sales and projected market demand. The facility is scheduled to be approved and operational by mid-to-late 2009. Until the facility is operational, Sanofi Pasteur has a finite amount of IMOVAX Rabies vaccine.
After the renovations began, Novartis, the other supplier of rabies vaccine for the United States, was unable to meet projected rabies vaccine supplies.
Since early 2008, Novartis has been supplying its rabies vaccine, RabAvert, for post-exposure use only. Consequently, Sanofi Pasteur has been supplying nearly all of the market for rabies vaccine. The increase in demand for IMOVAX is outpacing the company s historical levels of supply.

Pre-EP should be delayed until vaccine is available. It is expected that additional vaccine will be available again approximately in July 2008.
Persons at increased risk for rabies exposure should take appropriate precautions to avoid rabies exposure.
Vaccine is available for PEP, and providers should consult with local/state public health department to ensure appropriate use of PEP.
General rabies awareness and prevention messages should be emphasized to avoid exposure (e.g., avoid wildlife contact, vaccinate pets/livestock, capture/observe/test exposing animal, etc.).