Vaccination programmes are made available to employees at risk from harmful bacteria and viruses in the workplace.
Rabies is a viral disease that is usually transmitted from an infected animal through a bite to a human. The Rabies vaccine is offered in the CSOHD for pre-exposure protection of at risk workers who may come into contact with rabies infected animals. This includes some laboratory workers, veterinary staff, researchers, bat handlers and port staff.
Primary immunisation consists of 3 injections given within 1 month. Booster doses are given following blood testing on a 2 yearly basis. The current best advice is that boosters should not be administered more frequently than every 2-3 years to reduce the possibility of reactions to the vaccine.