Rabies Vaccine: Prevention Methods, Titration Tests and Pricing

Rabies Vaccine: Prevention Methods, Titration Tests and Pricing

Rabies is a highly dangerous and deadly viral infection for humans and animals. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 59,000 people die from rabies each year worldwide. Rabies vaccination plays a major role in preventing and controlling this disease. In this blog post, we will provide detailed information about rabies vaccination, rabies disease, rabies titer test and the fees for these services.

What is Rabies?

Rabies is an infectious disease caused by the Rabies virus and is usually transmitted to humans through the bite or scratch of an infected animal. The rabies virus affects the central nervous system, causing inflammation in the brain and, if left untreated, almost always results in death.

Symptoms and How It Spreads

Rabies symptoms usually appear a few weeks after infection. Initial symptoms are similar to the flu and include fatigue, fever, and headache. In later stages, more severe neurological symptoms such as anxiety, confusion, agitation, hallucinations, hydrophobia (fear of water), and aerophobia (fear of air) are seen. In the final stage, coma and death occur.

The virus is usually transmitted when virus particles in the saliva of a rabid animal enter the human body through a bite or open wound. Although the majority of rabies cases occur as a result of dog bites, other mammals (cats, bats, foxes, etc.) can also carry and transmit the rabies virus.

Rabies Vaccine

Rabies vaccine is a biological product that provides immunity against the rabies virus. The vaccine contains inactivated (dead) or attenuated (weakened) forms of the virus and stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against this virus.

The Importance and Effectiveness of Vaccination

Rabies vaccine can be used for both prophylactic and post-exposure purposes. Preventive rabies vaccination is recommended for high-risk groups (e.g. veterinarians, laboratory workers, animal trainers, and those living in areas where rabies is common).

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is administered to people who have been bitten or scratched by a rabid animal and is extremely effective in preventing infection. PEP usually consists of a combination of several doses of rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin (RIG).

Rabies Vaccine Application

Rabies vaccine is administered by intramuscular injection. Three doses of vaccine are generally recommended for people receiving prophylactic vaccination. These doses are given as an initial dose (day 0), followed by doses on day 7 and day 21 or 28.

For post-exposure prophylaxis, treatment should be started as soon as possible. The typical PEP regimen consists of four doses of rabies vaccine administered on days 0, 3, 7 and 14. For previously vaccinated individuals, two doses are sufficient (days 0 and 3).

Rabies Titration Test

A rabies titer test is a laboratory test used to determine whether a person has developed an adequate immune response to the rabies vaccine. This test is usually done to measure antibody levels after vaccination.

Application of the Test

A titration test is performed by taking a blood sample. The blood sample is analyzed in a laboratory to measure the level of antibodies against the rabies virus. The results of this test show whether a person has developed sufficient protective antibodies against the rabies virus.

Importance of Testing

Rabies titer testing is important to check the immunity levels of people, especially those in high-risk groups. For example, veterinarians and laboratory workers can regularly check immunity levels by doing this test and administer booster doses if necessary.

Rabies Vaccine and Titration Test Fees

Rabies vaccination and titer test costs may vary from country to country and by healthcare provider. Vaccination and testing costs may vary depending on the type of product used, location of administration, and health insurance coverage.

Rabies Vaccination Fees in Türkiye

In Türkiye, rabies vaccination is generally provided free of charge in public hospitals. In private healthcare institutions, the cost of the vaccine varies between 200-500 TL on average as of 2024. This fee may vary depending on the vaccine brand and the policies of the healthcare institution.

Rabies Titration Test Fees

Rabies titer test fees vary depending on the laboratory where the test is performed and the test method used. In Türkiye, the average cost of this test varies between 300-700 TL. The test result can usually be obtained within a few days and booster doses of vaccines may be necessary depending on the test result.

Recommendations for Rabies Vaccine and Titration Test

• Vaccination According to Exposure Risk: People living in or traveling to areas at risk of rabies should consider getting a preventive rabies vaccine.
• Rapid Post-Exposure Treatment: In case of suspicion of rabies, PEP treatment should be started as soon as possible by applying to a health institution.
• Regular Checkups: People in high-risk groups should monitor their immunity levels by having a rabies titer test at regular intervals.
• Insurance coverage: Check your health insurance coverage to see if rabies vaccinations and titer tests are covered by your insurance.

Conclusion

Rabies is a disease that can be fatal if left untreated, but it can be effectively prevented with rabies vaccination and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Rabies titer testing plays an important role in monitoring immunity levels and is vital to have regularly performed, especially for high-risk groups. Although vaccination and testing costs vary by health institution and insurance coverage, it is very important to take these precautions to protect yourself from rabies.

Additional Information and Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Rabies Vaccine Safe?

Yes, the rabies vaccine is very safe and side effects are generally mild. The most common side effects include pain, redness, and a slight fever at the injection site. In rare cases, allergic reactions can occur, so it’s important to talk to your healthcare professional about possible allergies before getting the vaccine.

Who Should Get Rabies Vaccinated?

Rabies vaccination is especially recommended for people living in or traveling to areas where rabies is common, veterinarians, laboratory workers, animal trainers, and hunters. People who work in wildlife areas where there is a risk of rabies should also be vaccinated.

How Long Does the Rabies Vaccine's Effect Last?

Rabies vaccination is long-lasting, but immunity levels may wane over time. Therefore, periodic titration tests and booster doses are recommended for high-risk groups.

When Should a Rabies Titration Test Be Performed?

After rabies vaccination, it is important to check the antibody levels of people, especially those in high-risk groups.